India and Myanmar on Wednesday vowed to maintain security in the shared border areas during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi. Both the countries share a 1,640-km-long border.

“As close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are closely aligned. We have agreed that close coordination to ensure security in the areas along our border, and sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests will serve the interests of both our countries,” Modi said after the meeting. India and Myanmar also agreed that the border guarding forces on both sides would further coordinate and exchange information toward securing the common borders. It was also agreed that both sides will “expedite discussions” regarding the relevant border segments.

“Both sides underlined their mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight insurgent activity and the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. Both the leaders also addressed the need to resolve outstanding boundary demarcation issues through existing mechanisms. Modi also condemned the recent armed attacks against three border posts in the northern part of Rakhine State of Myanmar.

"We have always admired India for being the greatest democracy in the world. We are confident that our countries can overcome challenges … It is out ambition to bring peace and stability in our country and beyond because we have suffered from instability for a long time,” Suu Kyi said.

Business and trade To facilitate easy movement of people across the land borders for business, tourism and other purposes, both sides also agreed to coordinate, through diplomatic channels, the setting up of immigration facilities at the Tamu-Moreh and Rhi-Zowkhathar border crossing points. In an effort to boost trade investment ties, India and Myanmar inked three agreements for cooperation in sectors such as power, banking and insurance.

Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) later, Suu Kyi said India’s investment in Myanmar must be linked to the country’s overall development. She said Myanmar will roll out investment norms that will accord equal treatment to foreign companies.

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