During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with General Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief of Myanmar. Modi expressed his expectations for fair and inclusive elections in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of participation from all parties. India reiterated its support for the peace process led by Myanmar, and talks also focused on bilateral relations, particularly border security and development cooperation. The discussions also encompassed the ongoing conflict within Myanmar and the need for regional stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Myanmar’s military chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, on Sunday. During the meeting, PM Modi expressed the hope for fair and inclusive elections in Myanmar. This meeting took place at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. During the talks, PM Modi clarified that India supports the peace process led and owned by Myanmar.
India and Myanmar Bilateral Relations
The Ministry of External Affairs shared that Prime Minister Modi hoped the upcoming elections in Myanmar would be transparent, fair, and inclusive, with participation from all concerned parties. He stressed India’s support for Myanmar’s peace process. He underscored the importance of peaceful dialogue and consultation for progress. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its relationship with Myanmar, guided by the ‘Neighbourhood First,’ ‘Act East,’ and Indo-Pacific policies.
The Ministry of External Affairs indicated that the two leaders reviewed the bilateral relations between India and Myanmar. They discussed development cooperation, defense and security, border management, and cross-border trade. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the progress of ongoing connectivity projects would strengthen ties between citizens of both countries.
Regional Security and Stability
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed the media that India and Myanmar held extensive discussions on security and border-related issues. He highlighted that Myanmar is a key strategic neighbor for India, sharing a 1,640-kilometer border with northeastern states like Nagaland and Manipur, which have long faced security challenges. Following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the country has seen violent protests and conflicts related to the demand for the restoration of democracy.
He further explained that amid the instability, resistance groups have gained control over crucial trade routes bordering India, China, and Bangladesh, impacting regional security and exacerbating trade and humanitarian crises. India is maintaining contact with Myanmar to ensure border security, provide humanitarian assistance, and maintain regional stability.