India and Myanmar on Wednesday committed to enhance ties in several areas, including security and trade, during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Three agreements were signed for higher cooperation in power, banking and insurance sectors apart from increasing collaboration in the fields of oil and gas, agriculture, renewable energy and health care. India will also work out an arrangement for import of pulses to curb the shortage in its domestic market.
Modi said the two countries have agreed for closer coordination to ensure security in areas along the borders, and sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests. India and Myanmar share a 1,640-km-long border with a number of north-eastern States which the security forces of the two countries manage through joint patrolling.
“As close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are aligned. We have agreed that a close coordination to ensure security in the areas along our border, and sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests, will serve the interests of both our countries,” said Modi even as Suu Kyi assured him that her Government will ensure their soil is not used for any anti-India activity.
Daughter of a diplomat who was once posted in India, Suu Kyi has studied in Delhi University. This is her first visit to New Delhi in her new role as State Counsellor after Myanmar’s first democratic elections in the country.
Calling India her second home, Modi welcomed Suu Kyi by saying she is no stranger to the people here.
“The sights, the sounds and vibrancy of Delhi are familiar to you. Welcome back, Excellency, to your second home! Excellency, you are an iconic leader. Your clear vision, mature leadership, struggle and eventual success in establishing democracy in Myanmar has inspired people across the world. It is indeed an honour for us to receive you in India,” Modi said.
In her speech, Suu Kyi mentioned Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru as great inspirations for the people of Myanmar. She condemned the terrorist incident in Uri and conveyed her condolences. During her meeting, Myanmar sought assistance in several areas on a priority basis, especially in the creation of livelihood, capacity-building, reconstruction of roads, provision for power, education facilities and health infrastructure. It was agreed that areas for cooperation identified would be fast-tracked for implementation.
The PM assured Suu Kyi all help from India to aid Myanmar’s development into a modern nation. “let me assure you, Excellency, that as you lead Myanmar to become a modern, secure, economically prosperous and better connected nation, India and its friendship will stand with you in full support and solidarity,” the PM said.
He added that from mega connectivity projects like Kaladan and Trilateral Highway, to projects in the fields of human resource development, health care, training and capacity-building, India is sharing its resources and expertise with Myanmar. “India’s nearly $1.75 billion of development assistance is centered on people,” he said.
In the field of culture and tourism, India has also offered assistance in restoring pagodas damaged in the recent earthquake in Myanmar. The Archaeological Survey of India will also restore two old temples and inscriptions of King Mindon and King Baygyidaw in Bodh Gaya. India agreed to Myanmar’s request to provide more diplomatic trainings related to the capacity- building of Myanmar Foreign Service and police officers and share expertise in developing their training manuals, including in forensics and cyber-security. The Yamethin Women’s Police Training Centre would be developed into a Centre of Excellence by providing appropriate standards, environment, infrastructure and materials for training.
Besides, India will develop a Varietal Development and Seed Production Centre in Yezin in Myanmar to enhance the quality of seeds. India has offered to scale up the power supply from Moreh in Manipur to Tamu in Myanmar besides partnering in a pilot lED electrification project. “The MoU on cooperation in the power sector that has been signed will help create the framework for advancing our linkages in this important sector,” the PM said.