Guwahati, June 2: In a significant assurance to New Delhi amid ongoing security concerns along the India-Myanmar border, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing reiterated during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmar’s territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests.
The assurance came during President Hlaing’s official visit to India, his first since assuming office, at a time when instability in Myanmar continues to have direct implications for India’s Northeast. Security cooperation emerged as a central focus of the discussions, with both sides acknowledging the importance of maintaining stability along the 1,600-km India-Myanmar border shared by Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
The assurance assumes particular significance for India, given longstanding concerns over insurgent movements, arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling and cross-border instability in the region. A joint statement issued after the talks said both leaders reviewed bilateral security cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding shared strategic interests.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while emphasising that Myanmar occupies a central position in India’s “Neighbourhood First”, “Act East” and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies. Connectivity and trade also featured prominently in the talks, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway — two key connectivity initiatives expected to improve access between India’s Northeast and Southeast Asia. “The Prime Minister underlined that enhanced connectivity would foster mutually beneficial economic linkages and shared prosperity in the region,” the joint statement said.
Both sides agreed on the need to accelerate work on the Kaladan project and the Trilateral Highway, which are considered critical for strengthening regional trade and economic integration under India’s Act East Policy. The two leaders also reviewed trade and investment ties and agreed to facilitate greater economic engagement through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, operational since May 2024. India and Myanmar further agreed to expand cooperation in sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, petroleum, energy, mining and infrastructure. In a boost to educational and people-to-people ties, Prime Minister Modi announced that Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 from 2026 onwards. President Hlaing also visited Bodh Gaya, where he offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Meditation Centre and Sujata Temple, underscoring the deep Buddhist and civilisational ties between the two countries.
During his visit, the Myanmar President addressed the India-Myanmar Business Conclave organised jointly by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where business leaders explored opportunities to deepen commercial engagement. President Hlaing also visited the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) facility in Greater Noida and was briefed on India’s advances in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency and clean energy technologies.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through closer cooperation in security, connectivity, trade and regional development.
For India, especially the Northeast, Myanmar remains strategically important not only as a neighbour but also as a gateway to Southeast Asia and a critical partner in ensuring border stability and regional connectivity.
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