Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured India that Myanmar’s territory will not be used against India’s security interests during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders emphasized border security, counter-insurgency cooperation, connectivity projects, economic ties, and regional stability while reaffirming strong bilateral relations and development partnerships.
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing has assured India that Myanmar’s territory will not be allowed to be used for activities that threaten India’s security interests. The assurance came during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two neighboring countries on security, border management, connectivity, and economic development.
According to the joint statement released after the high-level talks, both leaders underscored the importance of ensuring that sovereign territories are not misused for activities detrimental to each other’s security concerns. The commitment is particularly important in the context of India’s northeastern region, where insurgent groups have historically sought shelter across international borders.
During the meeting, President Hlaing reiterated Myanmar’s firm commitment to preventing its territory from being used against India’s security interests. The assurance reflects the increasing security cooperation between the two nations as they seek to address cross-border challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed support for Myanmar-led initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, national reconciliation, and socio-economic development. Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and friendly relations, Modi assured continued Indian assistance and cooperation in various sectors.
President Hlaing, in turn, appreciated India’s constructive support and cooperation, describing the partnership as beneficial for both countries and the broader region.
The discussions also highlighted Myanmar’s strategic importance in India’s foreign policy framework. Prime Minister Modi noted that Myanmar occupies a crucial position at the intersection of India’s “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies. This strategic alignment underscores India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Southeast Asia through Myanmar.
Both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to enhance trade, economic ties, defense collaboration, border management, development assistance, and cultural exchanges. They also acknowledged ongoing negotiations on various bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding and expressed optimism about their early conclusion.
Connectivity emerged as another key area of discussion. Prime Minister Modi stressed that improved connectivity infrastructure would help create stronger economic linkages and promote shared prosperity across the region. The leaders emphasized the importance of expediting the completion of major connectivity initiatives, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, both considered vital for regional integration and economic growth.
In a move aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties, Modi announced that scholarships offered to Myanmar students under the Mekong Ganga-ICCR program would be increased from 36 to 100 beginning in 2026. The decision is expected to encourage greater academic exchanges and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
President U Min Aung Hlaing’s visit marks his first trip to India since assuming office. Besides official engagements in New Delhi, he is also scheduled to visit Mumbai for business interactions and site visits. Accompanying him is a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders, reflecting the importance Myanmar places on strengthening relations with India.
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The visit is being viewed as a significant step toward deepening strategic cooperation, enhancing regional security, and expanding economic and developmental partnerships between the two neighboring nations. As both countries continue to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors, the latest assurances on security cooperation are expected to contribute positively to stability and peace in the northeastern region and the wider Indo-Pacific landscape.
