NEW DELHI, JUN 1 (AGENCIES/PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday raised concerns over the activities of armed groups near the India-Myanmar border and the impact of Myanmar’s internal conflict on Indian border communities during talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi.
The Myanmar president, on a multi-day visit to India, assured Modi that Myanmar’s territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests.
Briefing reporters after the talks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including trade, economic cooperation, defence and security, border management, development assistance and regional issues.
Misri said Modi highlighted the spillover effects of the conflict in Myanmar, including cross-border security challenges and the influx of refugees into India. He noted that activities of armed groups and military operations close to the border have affected people living on the Indian side. Modi stressed that Myanmar authorities should ensure such actions do not harm Indian border residents.
The refugee issue also figured prominently in the discussions. Misri said people fleeing the conflict have entered Mizoram and that both countries remain in contact on mechanisms for their eventual return when conditions improve.
On security cooperation, both sides underscored the importance of preventing the misuse of sovereign territory for activities inimical to each other’s security interests. Misri said Min Aung Hlaing reiterated Myanmar’s assurance that its territory would not be permitted to be used against India.
Myanmar shares a 1,640-km border with India, including with Nagaland and Manipur.
The leaders also reviewed progress on key connectivity projects, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
Myanmar assured India it would do everything possible to advance the delayed projects, which have been affected by the ongoing conflict involving the Myanmar military, ethnic armed groups and People’s Defence Forces. The talks also covered cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, energy, artificial intelligence, critical technologies and the space sector.
On cyber scam compounds in Myanmar, Misri said India has repatriated 2,411 citizens from such centres over the past 18 months, while more than 150 Indians are still believed to be trapped there. India continues to work with Myanmar authorities to secure their return.
Responding to a question on detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Misri said Modi raised the issue in the context of Myanmar’s peace process and reiterated India’s support for peace, inclusivity and dialogue involving all stakeholders.
