India and Myanmar reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation as the 23rd National Level Meeting between the two countries concluded in New Delhi, with both sides reviewing security cooperation and discussing measures to tackle cross-border and transnational crimes.
The two-day meeting, held on July 7-8, was led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on the Indian side and Myanmar Deputy Home Minister Major General Min Thu on behalf of the Myanmar government.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, both countries reaffirmed the importance of their longstanding friendship and close partnership and reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit.
The Indian side underlined that Myanmar occupies an important place in India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.
The two delegations held comprehensive discussions on bilateral security cooperation and reviewed progress under existing dialogue mechanisms. They discussed cooperation in combating terrorism, insurgency, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, cybercrime and other forms of organised crime.
Both sides agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination and capacity-building initiatives to effectively address shared security challenges.
The meeting also reviewed the prevailing security situation along the India-Myanmar border, with both countries reaffirming the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security along the frontier.
The two sides stressed the need to prevent the misuse of their respective territories for activities detrimental to each other’s security interests. The Myanmar side assured India that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests.
India and Myanmar also emphasised the importance of completing key connectivity projects, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting and agreed to continue close engagement on security issues through existing bilateral mechanisms, regular exchanges, training programmes and implementation of mutually agreed decisions.
