External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday raised the issue of cross-border activities by certain insurgent groups during her maiden meeting with Myanmar’s first democratically-elected Government in five decades. President U Htin Kyaw assured Swaraj that his Government will not allow any anti-India activities. Describing India as a friendly country, Htin told Swaraj that he looks forward to a productive partnership.
This was the first high-level visit from India after the civilian government assumed office in Myanmar. Apart from President Htin, Swaraj held talks with State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi on bilateral issues, including cross-border activities by insurgent groups. Swaraj's visit comes just days after the Indian Army had an encounter with NSCN-K militants in Nagaland who were trying to enter the country from Myanmar.
“Both sides agreed to make efforts to ensure peace and security along the long shared border. The Myanmar side stated that activities of insurgent groups would not be countenanced from Myanmar territory and suggested that this issue should be addressed and taken forward through co-operation in established bilateral forums,” sources said. This was Swaraj's first visit outside India after recovering from a long illness.
The two sides discussed areas of possible collaboration including power. India is already supplying 3 MW electricity to Myanmar through the Moreh-Tamu link but this can be further upgraded. They also discussed the possibility of cooperation in agriculture, particularly pulses where there is a possibility of importing large amount of pulses from Myanmar.
Swaraj also conveyed India's strong support to Myanmar in exploring possibilities of further strengthening democratic institutions. "Discussions were held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere as befitting the traditionally close ties and strong people to people links between the two countries. Myanmar leaders were deeply appreciative of the fact that EAM represented the first Cabinet-level dignitary who had paid a visit to Myanmar after the new government took office," sources added.
Swaraj extended invitations to both the Myanmar President and Suu Kyi to visit India at their earliest convenience. Both Suu Kyi and the President said they were looking forward to a visit to India.