India, July 9 -- India and Myanmar on Wednesday reiterated the need for enhancing bilateral security cooperation with an exchange of intelligence and better coordination to tackle cross-border crimes and threats during the 23rd National Level Meeting here on July 7-8. The Indian delegation was led by Home Secretary Govind Mohan and the Myanmar counterpart was Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. The delegations exchanged views on the bilateral discussions held under the existing platforms on the evolving situation in the regions and in depth discussions also took place on enhancing cooperation to tackle terrorism, insurgency, narcotics, arms trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife, cybercrimes and other related threats. Also Read - WhatsApp's reply on 'username' notice due today: IT Secretary Both the countries also agreed to ramp up coordination, intelligence and operational level cooperation for enhanced capabilities to address emerging security concerns. India reiterated the strategic importance of Myanmar for India's Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies and also re-affirmed India's interest in taking bilateral relations to greater heights. The delegations also reviewed the situation along the borders and agreed on the need to maintain peace and stability along the borders of the two countries. Also Read - Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on Ambassador Hotel's plea against show-cause notice for eviction Both the countries were firm in their stance that neither of their territories would be allowed to utilise it for any activity that could jeopardise the security of the other country. Myanmar assured India that its territory would not be utilised against India's security concerns. Both the delegations also exchanged views on the need for expedited execution of ongoing connectivity projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Both India and Myanmar concluded the meeting by expressing mutual satisfaction over the discussions and agreed to sustain close interactions through various bilateral engagement mechanisms for enhanced security and coordination to address common security concerns.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.