India-Myanmar Ink Pact to Enhance Defence Cooperation

Seeking to further strengthen their military ties, India and Myanmar on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation aimed at enhancing military training, joint surveillance, and maritime security.

The development is important in view of the recent joint operations conducted by the Indian and the Myanmar armies against the north-east insurgent groups in Myanmar.

Another significant factor is the maritime cooperation between the two countries which is a key to keep an eye on China which has been enhancing its presence close to Myanmar. China has been carrying out development projects at Kyaukpyu port near Sitwe.

The MoU was signed after talks between the Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik and Myanmar’s Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Delhi.

“Myanmar is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy towards prioritising relations with its East Asian neighbours. India has steadily increased defence co-operation with Myanmar in recent years,” a statement from the Ministry of Defence said.

Indian and Myanmar armies carried out two phases of ‘Operation Sunrise’ this year, busting camps of insurgent groups in Myanmar.

After facing heavy losses, following coordinated operations by the Indian and the Myanmar armies forcing the Naga rebel group NSCN (K) to shut camps in Taga in Myanmar, the faction has again started regrouping to take control of the lost ground, intelligence reports have indicated.

These reports are being shared with the Myanmarese counterparts, sources in the security establishment said.
Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Naik held talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar.

“The talks were aimed at enhancing defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to the Myanmar defence services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co-operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure,” a statement stated.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Myanmar Defence Services, the Senior General met the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.

Senior General Min also paid homage at the National War Memorial.

Source: IT

Image Courtesy: Twitter(@IndiaMyanmar)