India offers support to Myanmar peace effort

As Myanmar sets out on a new path after decades of military rule, India yesterday promised whole-hearted support to it in "every step" of its journey as the two countries resolved to deepen ties and actively cooperate to combat terrorism and insurgent activities in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw, in first top level engagement with the new government of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, and conveyed India's full support to Myanmar's internal peace process.

The two sides inked four MoUs to boost cooperation in areas of connectivity, medicine and renewable energy, besides resolving to deepen ties in a range of other sectors, including agriculture, banking and power.

Reading out a statement to media, Modi later said both sides recognised that each other's security interests are closely aligned and that both countries agreed to work together to combat terrorism and insurgent activities in the region.

"We recognised that our security interests are closely aligned. And, we agreed on the need to remain sensitive to each other's strategic interests and concerns.

"To this end, President and I agreed to work together for the safety and security of our people. And, actively cooperate to combat the common challenges of terrorism and insurgent activity in our region," Modi said, with Htin Kyaw by his side.

India has been raising with Myanmar the issue of several North East militant outfits having training camps in that country. Referring to new Myanmarese government's agenda of ushering all round growth and development in the country, Modi said, "Let me assure you that at every step of the way 1.25 billion people of India will stand by you — Both as partners and as friends."