India and Myanmar Pledge to Fight Terrorism Along the Border

India and Myanmar decided to broaden their defence and security cooperation to ensure peace along the border.

Indian army soldiers pay tribute to their colleague Randeep Singh who was killed in rebel attack in Manipur. (Photo: AP)

Resolving to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activities, India and Myanmar on Thursday decided to broaden their defence and security cooperation to ensure peace along the 1,640-km-long border. The Indian government has expressed strong commitment to modernise the Myanmarese Armed Forces.

Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Myanmarese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, the JCC reviewed entire gamut of bilateral ties and also agreed to step up cooperation in border management and in sectors like petroleum, trade and commerce.

Both leaders reiterated that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other.

Pitching for closer cooperation in energy sector, the two leaders decided to encourage investment by Indian companies in Myanmar oil and gas sector.

They also agreed to encourage investment by Indian companies in the petroleum industry.

“Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activity in all its forms and manifestations. 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,” a joint statement said.

India and Myanmar had entered a new phase in their bilateral relations where, as a result of Myanmar’s political and economic reforms and the rising growth and rapid economic and technological transformation, they had achieved commendable progress in their efforts to further strengthen the friendly ties.
– Joint Statement

(With inputs from PTI)