India, Myanmar Reaffirm Commitment to Stronger Strategic Partnership
India and Myanmar on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, connectivity, security cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi.
The discussions took place during President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to India from May 30 to June 3, his first since assuming office. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Modi described Myanmar as a key partner at the intersection of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies, underlining the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Both sides emphasised the need to accelerate connectivity projects, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which are expected to strengthen economic linkages and regional integration.
India and Myanmar also agreed to facilitate bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism. The two countries welcomed the growth in transactions under the mechanism since its launch in May 2024 and expressed interest in expanding trade and investment cooperation in sectors such as agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining.
In a significant education initiative, India announced that the number of Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students will be increased from 36 to 100 from 2026 onwards.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. India reiterated its support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while both countries stressed the importance of preventing the use of their territories for activities detrimental to each other’s security interests. Myanmar assured India that its territory would not be allowed to be used against Indian security interests.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed support for Myanmar-led efforts aimed at peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development. President Min Aung Hlaing appreciated India’s continued assistance and cooperation.
During his visit, the Myanmar President paid homage at the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Meditation Centre and Sujata Temple in Bodh Gaya, highlighting the deep-rooted Buddhist and cultural ties between the two countries.
The President also addressed the India-Myanmar Business Conclave in New Delhi, where business leaders explored opportunities to expand trade and investment. He additionally visited the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) facility in Greater Noida to learn about India’s advancements in clean energy and research.
President Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to visit Mumbai on June 2 and 3, where he will hold meetings with Maharashtra’s leadership and participate in business engagements aimed at enhancing economic cooperation.
The two sides agreed to maintain close engagement at all levels and work towards further strengthening their longstanding partnership. President Min Aung Hlaing also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient date.
