What Did PM Modi and Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing Discuss?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening bilateral ties between India and Myanmar is a priority.
- PM Modi is committed to aiding Myanmar's developmental needs.
- Focus on fair and inclusive elections in Myanmar.
- Ongoing connectivity projects are crucial for regional integration.
- Collaboration with neighboring countries is essential for peace and stability.
Tianjin (China), Aug 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China on Sunday, to evaluate bilateral relations and outline future avenues for cooperation.
During their meeting, PM Modi emphasized India's willingness to assist Myanmar's developmental pursuits. He highlighted the significance of India-Myanmar relations as integral to India's Neighbourhood First, Act East, and Indo-Pacific strategies.
As per a statement released on X, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated: "PM Narendra Modi met with Senior General Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders reviewed India-Myanmar ties and discussed the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, development partnership, defence and security, and border management. PM reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental needs of Myanmar."
PM Modi conveyed optimism regarding the upcoming elections in Myanmar, expressing the hope that they would be conducted in a fair and inclusive manner with the involvement of all stakeholders. He stressed that India champions a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, advocating for peaceful dialogue and consultation as the path forward, according to the MEA statement.
"The Prime Minister emphasized that advancements in ongoing connectivity projects would enhance interaction between the peoples of both nations, while also promoting regional cooperation and integration as envisioned in India's Act East policy," the statement continued.
This meeting marks the first bilateral discussion between the two leaders since PM Modi began his third term, following their previous encounter at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April.
Earlier that day, PM Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, where they agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace and stability in border regions and reaffirmed their dedication to cooperation grounded in mutual respect and interests.
"I had a productive dialogue with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin during the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive trajectory of India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, reaffirming our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
PM Modi also held discussions with Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, focusing on economic, political, and people-to-people exchanges between India and China.
Arriving in Tianjin on Saturday for the two-day SCO Summit, PM Modi was greeted with a vibrant welcome at the Binhai International Airport.