India committed to strengthening ties with Myanmar

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India was committed to strengthening its relations with Myanmar and called for greater connectivity between the two countries. 

Myanmar is “India’s gateway to ASEAN”, Modi told the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who called on him in the national capital. 

The Prime Minister further said that he respects the desire of the people of Myanmar for a transition to a stable multi-party democracy, and conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming elections in Myanmar to be peaceful, free and fair.

During the meeting, Aung Hliang appreciated India’s role as a reliable development partner for Myanmar.

He said that Myanmar considers its relationship with India very important, not only as a neighbour, but also as a country with longstanding historical and cultural ties, shared interests and strong people-to-people ties with Myanmar.

He expressed his commitment to deepen defence and security engagement with India, including in the maritime security domain, adding that Myanmar will remain an important platform in support of India’s Act East Policy.

He also conveyed the invitation of Myanmar President U Thein Sein to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Myanmar.

Prime Minister Modi said that he looked forward to visiting Myanmar at an early date. The Prime Minister also invited President U Thein Sein to visit India at the earliest.

Aung Hliang expressed condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of Union of Myanmar on the passing away of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

(With inputs from agenices)