Naypyitaw, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Second Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Myanmar took place in Naypyitaw on Thursday, where the focus was on training, capacity building, post-earthquake assistance, and cultural goodwill visits.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Myanmar's Chief of Armed Forces (Training), Major General Kyaw Ko Htike.

As reported by the Directorate of Public Relations at India's Ministry of Defence on X, "The Second Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Myanmar, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen Kyaw Ko Htike, was held in Naypyitaw today. The discussions centered on training, capacity building, post-earthquake assistance, and cultural goodwill visits."

In the previous month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin, where they reviewed bilateral relations. PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to support Myanmar's development needs.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "PM Narendra Modi engaged with Senior General Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, discussing the future of India-Myanmar relations across various sectors, including trade, development partnerships, defence, security, and border management. PM reiterated India's readiness to assist Myanmar's developmental aspirations."

Furthermore, PM Modi expressed optimism regarding the upcoming elections in Myanmar, hoping they will be conducted fairly and inclusively with participation from all stakeholders. He underscored India's support for a Myanmar-led peace process, stating that peaceful dialogue is essential for progress.

The MEA statement added, "The Prime Minister highlighted that advancements in ongoing connectivity projects would enhance interaction between the peoples of both nations and contribute to regional cooperation and integration, as envisioned in India’s Act East policy."

With a shared heritage of religious, linguistic, and ethnic ties, India aims to bolster cooperation with Myanmar as part of its ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies. The two countries have established multiple institutional frameworks to ensure consistent consultations between their governments, according to a statement from the Consulate General of India in Sittwe. Defence and security cooperation between the two nations has significantly strengthened over the years.