India Myanmar Deepen Strategic Ties; Modi Announces 100 Scholarships, Push for Connectivity and Trade
Leaders reaffirm commitment to security cooperation, border management, economic partnerships and regional connectivity projects
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, on Monday.
New Delhi: India and Myanmar on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, connectivity, security, development assistance and cultural exchanges during the first official visit of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to India.
The visit, held from May 30 to June 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw extensive discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders reviewed the progress of existing cooperation and charted a roadmap for expanding the partnership.
Prime Minister Modi described Myanmar as a key partner at the intersection of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies. The discussions emphasized the importance of enhanced economic engagement, defence cooperation, border management and people-to-people ties.
A major focus of the talks was regional connectivity. Both sides agreed on the importance of accelerating the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which are expected to boost trade and economic integration across South and Southeast Asia.
In a significant educational initiative, Prime Minister Modi announced that the number of Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships available to Myanmar students would increase from 36 to 100 annually beginning in 2026.
The two countries also agreed to expand bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, which has been operational since May 2024. The leaders welcomed the steady increase in transaction volumes and expressed support for deeper investment cooperation in sectors including agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. India reiterated its support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while both sides stressed that their territories should not be used for activities harmful to each other’s security interests. Myanmar reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the use of its territory against India’s security concerns.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India’s support for Myanmar-led efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development. President Min Aung Hlaing appreciated India’s continued assistance and cooperation.
During the visit, the Myanmar President paid homage at the Mahabodhi Temple, the Mahabodhi Meditation Centre and the Sujata Temple, underscoring the deep Buddhist and cultural links between the two nations. He also addressed an India-Myanmar Business Conclave jointly organized by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry, where business leaders explored new trade and investment opportunities.
The President also visited the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance facility in Greater Noida to review India’s advances in clean energy, renewable integration and energy efficiency technologies.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their long-standing friendship and agreeing to maintain close engagement at all levels. President Min Aung Hlaing invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Myanmar at mutually convenient dates.
