India and Neighbours

Myanmar

mm-inPrime Minister meeting with the President of Myanmar U. Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw during his historic visit to Myanmar (May 28, 2012)India and Myanmar share special ties of culture, language, trade and tradition rooted in historical linkages through India’s North East. India sees a direct relationship between peace and stability across the borders with Myanmar with development and prosperity of its own North Eastern region. Over the past year, India’s close and multifaceted relationship with Myanmar has been further strengthened through an exchange of visits at the highest level.

The State visit of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after a gap of 25 years, was a major milestone in bilateral relations. During the visit, 12 Agreements and MoUs were signed, including on the US$ 500 million Line of Credit; Air Service Agreement; border area development. Earlier, the President of Myanmar, U Thein Sein, had paid a State visit to India in October 2011. India is working closely with Myanmar on various infrastructure development and cooperation projects, including in the field of roads, waterways, power, health, education and industrial training, telecommunications, and others.

Myanmar is also central to India’s Look East Policy. Being the only ASEAN Country with which India shares a land boundary, Myanmar is India’s gateway to the larger ASEAN Community. India is actively engaged with Myanmar in improving cross border connectivity and expects that the direct and smooth road connectivity to South East Asia through Myanmar will be materialized by the end of this decade greatly facilitating trade, tourism and travel in the region.

The significant political and economic reforms instituted by the Government of Myanmar over the past year have led to an increased international interest in Myanmar. India remains committed to extending all possible assistance and support to the process of national reconciliation and the further strengthening of democracy in Myanmar.

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