In the 23rd India-Myanmar meeting held in New Delhi, Myanmar assured that its territory will not be used against India. Both sides agreed to share intelligence, enhance operational coordination and effectively deal with security challenges like terrorism, extremism.
Our land will not be used against India: Myanmar
In the 23rd national level meeting, Myanmar has assured that its territory will not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests. In this meeting held in New Delhi on July 7-8, the delegations of India and Myanmar agreed to enhance ‘intelligence sharing’ and operational coordination. Besides, it was also agreed to take capacity building initiatives to effectively deal with common security challenges.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement said both sides reviewed the prevailing security situation along the India-Myanmar border and reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security along the border. “Both sides underlined the importance of preventing misuse of their sovereign territories for activities that are detrimental to their security interests. The Myanmar side assured that its territory will not be used against India’s security interests,” the statement said.
Emphasis on major projects and bilateral cooperation
The statement further noted that “both sides shared the importance of working together towards completing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.” Both sides also expressed satisfaction at the outcomes of the meeting and agreed to continue close engagement and cooperation on security matters between the concerned agencies through existing bilateral mechanisms, regular exchanges, training programs and implementation of mutually agreed decisions.
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and the Myanmar delegation was led by Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Government of the Republic of Myanmar. The meeting reaffirmed the importance given by both countries to their long-standing friendship and close partnership and their shared commitment to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. The Indian side stressed that Myanmar occupies an important place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’ and ‘SAGAR’ (security and development for all in the region) policies.
Terrorism and organized crimes will be curbed
“The two sides had a comprehensive and constructive discussion on bilateral security cooperation and reviewed the progress under the bilateral dialogue mechanism,” the Home Ministry said. They also discussed cooperation in combating cross-border crimes including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, cyber crime and other forms of organized crime.
Both sides also agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination and undertake capacity-building initiatives to effectively deal with shared security challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the outcomes of the meeting and agreed to continue close engagement and cooperation on security matters between the concerned agencies through existing bilateral mechanisms, regular exchanges, training programs and implementation of mutually agreed decisions. (ANI)
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