India and Myanmar on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, connectivity and security cooperation during the official visit of Myanmar President to India, with both sides agreeing to accelerate key infrastructure projects, expand trade and deepen bilateral engagement.
According to a joint statement issued after the talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored that enhanced connectivity would help foster stronger economic linkages and shared prosperity across the region. The two sides stressed the need to work closely towards the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, two flagship initiatives aimed at boosting regional integration and cross-border commerce.
In a move aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties, India announced that the number of Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships available to Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 from 2026 onwards.
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The two countries also agreed to facilitate and expand bilateral trade, including through the rupee-kyat settlement mechanism. Both sides welcomed the steady growth in transaction volumes under the arrangement since it became operational in May 2024.
The statement noted that India and Myanmar expressed support for closer trade and investment cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, including agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining, in line with their respective national laws and regulations.
On the strategic front, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's support for Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two sides underscored the importance of ensuring that their territories are not used for activities detrimental to each other's security interests.
Myanmar reiterated its assurance that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security concerns, while India reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral security cooperation as a "steadfast and trusted partner" of Myanmar.
Modi also conveyed India's support for Myanmar-led efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development, and offered continued assistance based on mutual respect and longstanding friendship between the two countries.
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The statement said the Myanmar President appreciated India's constructive support and cooperation. Modi expressed confidence that the President's meetings with Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister, along with his business engagements in Mumbai on June 2-3, would further strengthen bilateral economic ties and existing areas of cooperation.
The visit comes as New Delhi seeks to reinforce its strategic and economic engagement with its eastern neighbour, which occupies a critical position in India's Act East policy and regional connectivity plans.
