India and Myanmar reaffirmed their commitment to prevent the misuse of their territories against each other's security interests during the 23rd National-Level Meeting in New Delhi.
New Delhi, July 9: India and Myanmar have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that their respective territories are not used for activities that threaten each other's security interests during the 23rd National-Level Meeting held in New Delhi on July 7 and 8.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), both sides reviewed the prevailing security situation along the India-Myanmar border and stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security in the border region. The Myanmar delegation assured India that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests.
The meeting was led by Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs of Myanmar.
The two countries held comprehensive discussions on bilateral security cooperation and reviewed progress under existing dialogue mechanisms. They agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance operational coordination between security agencies and undertake capacity-building initiatives to address shared security challenges more effectively.
The discussions covered a range of cross-border security issues, including terrorism, insurgency, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, cybercrime and other forms of organised crime.
India and Myanmar also reaffirmed the importance of their longstanding friendship and close partnership, expressing a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. The Indian side highlighted Myanmar's strategic importance under India's Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.
The two sides also underscored the need to expedite key connectivity projects, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which are expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcomes of the meeting, both countries agreed to continue close engagement on security matters through existing bilateral mechanisms, regular exchanges, training programmes and implementation of mutually agreed decisions.
The meeting assumes significance for India's Northeastern states, particularly Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where enhanced cooperation is considered important in addressing cross-border security challenges and transnational crimes.
