India, Myanmar join hands against terror

India and its eastern neighbour Myanmar have resolved to actively cooperate to combat terrorism and insurgent activities in the region, with the two countries on Monday “reiterating their commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other” — something that is being viewed with much interest, given the Indian Army’s operations against Naga rebels in areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The countries also decided to continue the “policy of not allowing any insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities against the other side”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Myanmar’s President U. Htin Kyaw, in India’s first top-level engagement with the new government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, and conveyed India’s full support to Myanmar’s internal peace process.

In a joint statement, both sides resolved to strengthen defence cooperation, including enhanced cooperation between their security forces and border-guarding agencies “which is crucial to maintaining peace and stability along the long Indo-Myanmar border”.

The two sides inked four MoUs, including two pacts to facilitate the construction and upgradation of 69 bridges and the Kalewa-Yargi road section of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project.

Reading out a statement to the media, Mr Modi said, “We recognised that our security interests are closely aligned, and we agreed on the need to remain sensitive to each other’s strategic interests and concerns. To this end, the (Myanmar) President and I agreed to work together for the safety and security of our people, and actively cooperate to combat the common challenges of terrorism and insurgent activity in our region.”

A joint statement released later said, “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral security and defence cooperation, which is crucial for maintaining peace and stability along the long Indo-Myanmar border. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activity in all its forms and manifestations.”

Myanmar, considered one of India’s strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640km-long border with a number of Northeastern states.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the other and to continue practising the policy of not allowing any insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities against the other side. They emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation between security forces and border-guarding agencies for securing peace, security and stability in the border areas, which is crucial for overall development.”

Myanmar, considered one of India’s strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640 km long border with a number of North Eastern states including militancy-infested Nagaland and Manipur. India has been raising with Myanmar the issue of several North East militant outfits having training camps in that country. The Indian Army has been cracking down on Naga rebels operating in the border areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

“India’s nearly 2 billion dollar development assistance is touching the lives of the common man of Myanmar. Our engagement is supporting projects in connectivity, infrastructure, capacity building education, healthcare and many other sectors,” PM Modi said. Giving example of India’s assistance, he talked about the Kaladan project and said its port and waterway segment were nearing completion later this year. “In April this year, we took the small step of supplying power to Tamu in Myanmar. I have told the President that we are willing to substantially scale up our supply of power,” the PM said, adding that both sides have also agreed to work towards a long-term and a mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.

According to reports, It is Htin Kyaw’s first visit abroad after assuming charge of the top office and Modi told him that India was deeply honoured that he has chosen India for his first State visit abroad. “Buddhist principles of ‘metta’ or loving kindness and ‘Sarva Pantha Sambhava’ (equality of all religions) define our ways of life,” said Modi. Talking about cultural ties, Mr. Modi said it is a “key centrality” in the foundation of the ties. “I am happy that our partnership is restoring Ananda temple in Bagan in Myanmar. We are also ready to restore other historic monuments and pagodas, which were damaged in the earthquake which hit Myanmar just last week,” he said.