During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Myanmar’s military chief, General Min Aung Hlaing. Modi expressed the expectation that upcoming elections in Myanmar would be fair, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring the participation of all parties. India reiterated its support for the Myanmar-led peace process, with discussions also encompassing bilateral relations, particularly border security and development cooperation. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar and regional stability were also addressed.
Prime Minister Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with Myanmar’s military chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, on Sunday. During the meeting, PM Modi conveyed his hope for fair elections with the participation of all parties. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, China. During the talks with General Min Aung Hlaing, PM Modi clarified that India supports the peace process led and owned by Myanmar.
India-Myanmar Bilateral Relations
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Prime Minister Modi hoped the upcoming elections in Myanmar would be transparent, fair, and inclusive, ensuring the participation of all relevant parties. He emphasized that India supports the peace process led by Myanmar. He stated that only through peaceful dialogue and consultation can progress be made. PM Modi reiterated that India gives special importance to its relations with Myanmar under the ‘Neighbourhood First,’ ‘Act East,’ and Indo-Pacific policies.
The Ministry of External Affairs informed that the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of India-Myanmar bilateral relations. They discussed important topics such as development cooperation, defense and security, border management, and cross-border trade. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the progress of ongoing connectivity projects would further strengthen mutual ties between the citizens of both countries.
Concerns Regarding Regional Security and Stability
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during an interaction with the media, stated that extensive discussions were held between India and Myanmar on security and border-related issues. He said that Myanmar is one of India’s key strategic neighbors, sharing a 1,640-kilometer-long border with northeastern states like Nagaland and Manipur. These areas have long faced security challenges. Since the coup by the Myanmar army on February 1, 2021, violent protests and conflicts have continued in the country, with calls for the restoration of democracy.
He further stated that amidst this instability, resistance groups have gained control over several key trade routes on the borders of India, China, and Bangladesh. This situation has not only affected regional security but has also deepened trade and humanitarian crises. India remains in constant contact with Myanmar on this matter to effectively ensure border security, humanitarian assistance, and regional stability.
