India and Myanmar have reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and strategic partnership with the 23rd National-level meeting held in New Delhi, with both countries to enhance their cooperation in border security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and regional connectivity.
The two-day high-level dialogue, held on Wednesday, highlighted Myanmar’s strategic importance in India’s foreign policy, particularly under the Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiatives.
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, while Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister for Myanmar's Ministry of Home Affairs, headed the Myanmar delegation.
Stronger Security Cooperation
The security cooperation was the main theme for the meeting with both countries reviewing existing mechanisms and agreeing on how to strengthen joint efforts to combat terrorism, cross-border insurgency and organised crime.
The two sides discussed joint actions to combat a number of transnational threats, such as:
Terrorism and cross-border insurgent activities. Narcotics trafficking and illegal arms smuggling. Human trafficking, wildlife crime and illegal timber trade. Cybercrime and other emerging forms of organised crime.
As a solution to these problems, India and Myanmar agreed to enhance operational coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen the capacity of their respective law enforcement agencies through joint training and institutional collaboration.
Focus on Border Stability
The delegations also discussed the security situation along the 1,643-kilometre India-Myanmar international border and that maintaining peace, stability, and security is important to border communities and for the bilateral relationship.
A big take-home from the talks is that mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity was reiterated. Both countries’ territories are not to be used for activities that would be harmful to the other’s national security.
In a major assurance to New Delhi, the Myanmar delegation also assured the country that Myanmar’s territory would not be used as a base for anti-India insurgent groups so that their security concerns will be addressed.
Connectivity Projects Get Fresh Push
Apart from security problems, both sides sought to accelerate key connectivity projects which will improve trade and India's access to Southeast Asia.
Officials reviewed progress on the long-delayed Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project which will connect Mizoram with Myanmar's Sittwe Port, giving India an alternative route to the northeast and boosting regional trade.
And the meeting also discussed speeding up the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, a flagship connectivity initiative to improve road links between South and Southeast Asia and boost economic integration across the region.
Commitment to Continued Engagement
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, both delegations were satisfied with the result of the meeting and agreed to continue regular engagement through structured dialogue, training programmes, diplomatic exchanges and timely implementation of agreed decisions.
The discussions were indicative of India and Myanmar’s common view to strengthen their strategic cooperation in the face of regional security challenges. With better border cooperation, the prevention of transnational crime and the acceleration of connectivity projects both countries will work towards peace, stability and economic growth in the region while at the same time strengthening ties.
