Resolving to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activities, India and Myanmar today decided to broadbase their defence and security cooperation to ensure peace along the 1,640-km-long border as New Delhi expressed strong commitment to modernise the Myanmarese Armed Forces.

Over a month after Indian Army carried out a counter- insurgency strike along the Indo-Myanmar border, the Joint Consultative Commission of the two countries delved extensively on having better coordination and cooperation between their security forces to deal with militant groups, particularly those from the northeast region.

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. Myanmar, considered one of India's strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

Pitching for closer cooperation in energy sector, the two leaders decided to encourage investment by Indian companies in Myanmar oil and gas sector, including in available blocks that are being offered for investment which have good prospects. They also agreed to encourage investment by Indian companies in the petroleum industry.

In the meeting, Swaraj reaffirmed that India's commitment to support the modernisation of Myanmar Armed Forces and conveyed that it would be "happy to share its experience in functioning in a democratic environment, in creating a national army, cooperation in the field of IT, in dealing with emerging security challenges, and military to military cooperation including in terms of training."

She also expressed India's commitment to cooperate with Myanmar in building a professional and capable Myanmar Navy to safeguard and ensure its maritime security.

"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.

In this context, the two leaders welcomed regular meetings of the bilateral Regional Border Committee which promotes such cooperation and understanding for better border management.

The 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."


Referring to the ongoing discussions between the two sides on maritime security, the two ministers agreed that Maritime Security Cooperation in Bay of Bengal is vital for both countries.
Noting that a sound border management is an intrinsic part of maintaining border security, they agreed that negotiations should be conducted to enable early conclusion of an MoU on movement of people across the land border.

They reiterated their determination to resolve the issue of unsettled boundary pillars in all sectors. It was agreed that first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Boundary Working Group, with a mandate to address all outstanding boundary issues, would be held in New Delhi at the earliest.

The two ministers agreed that a joint visit at a senior official level would be arranged to the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland sector.

Swaraj and Lwin discussed possible opportunities for joint ventures in Myanmar in the power sector, particularly hydro-electric power.

The two sides agreed that there has been "untapped potential" for greater trade and decided to encourage investments by Indian companies in areas like ports, power, agro-industries, forest products, mining, construction industry, consumer goods, highways, oil and gas, plantation, manufacturing, hospitality and ICT in Myanmar.

"Both sides agreed that the ministries concerned would work towards expeditious signing of the MoU on capacity building between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Myanmar," the statement said.

The Myanmar side took note of the proposal made by Indian side to consider granting licence to an Indian bank to open a branch in Myanmar.

The ministers directed authorities concerned to finalise the modalities of operation so that trade can take place through border haats immediately.

The two ministers emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity and expressed satisfaction at the steady progress being made on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connecting Mizoram to Sittwe port in Myanmar.

They also reviewed the upgrading of the Kalewa-Yargi road section of the Trilateral Highway connecting Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar as well as construction of 69 bridges and approach roads on the Tamu-Kalewa section.

The ministers agreed to take steps to further enhance the existing air connectivity by encouraging regular commercial fights among India, Myanmar and the rest of South East Asia.
They also agreed that signing of the MOU to establish a direct Imphal-Mandalay bus service would be in mutual interest. Trial runs of the bus service from Imphal to Mandalay may take place in the coming months.

Identifying the need for special focus in bordering areas, the two ministers agreed to enhance cooperation to bring about overall socio-economic development undertaking infrastructure development and micro-economic projects, including upgrade of roads and construction of schools.