India would help Myanmar for strengthening democracy, development: External Affairs Minister

Yangon : External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj stated that India is committed to Myanmar for its social and economic development and to strengthen democracy. On Monday External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj started her tour of Myanmar. She met Myanmar’s President Htin Kyaw and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. During her visit, Myanmar’s leaders assured Swaraj that they would not allow their country’s territory to be used for anti-India activities.

This was the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian External Affairs Minister after the military reign ended and Aung San Suu Kyi‘s party was elected. The visit of Indian External Affairs Minister assumes added importance as it comes immediately after China visit of Myanmar’s Foreign Minister, Aung San Suu Kyi.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj is accompanied on her Myanmar visit by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and high-level delegation of External Affairs Ministry officials. Bilateral discussions took place between the high-level delegations of India and Myanmar on Monday. External Affairs Minister Swaraj met Suu Kyi and Myanmar’s President Htin Kyaw and had discussions on different issues.

President Htin Kyaw said that Myanmar needs to have stronger cooperation with India. Myanmar needs India‘s help for its development, peace and stability.

Sushma Swaraj promised Myanmar that India will give all-possible assistance for its development. She said that India is taking efforts for Myanmar’s social and economic development. Swaraj also said that India will help Myanmar to strengthen roots of democracy. India will supply Myanmar with electricity and help to develop non-conventional energy, transport, health services and education sectors, stated India’s External Affairs Minister.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj also raised the issue of movements of terrorist organizations through Myanmar’s borders. Recently there was an encounter near Myanmar’s border between Indian Army and terrorists. On this background President ‘Htin Kyaw’ and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi assured India that Myanmar would not shelter anti-India activities.

Though the other details of these meetings have not been released, it is said that China‘s increasing interference was discussed between the two sides. Aung San Suu Kyi had recently visited China. Eye brows were raised as she had chosen China for her first foreign visit.

Myanmar is trying to strike a balance in its relations with India and China. Accordingly, Myanmar‘s President Htin Kyaw is going to visit India soon.