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India has reaffirmed its commitment to support the modernisation of the Myanmar Armed Forces and would be happy to share its experience in functioning in a democratic environment, cooperation in the field of IT, in dealing with emerging security challenges, and military to military cooperation including in training.
This was indicated by Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister, to U Wunna Maung Lwin, Foreign Minister of Myanmar, at the first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Consultative Commission which was held here on Thursday. Both leaders reiterated the assurance that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other.
It was also agreed that the first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Boundary Working Group, with a mandate to address all outstanding boundary issues, would be held in New Delhi at the earliest.
In view of the general elections in Myanmar in November, Swaraj extended the services of the Election Commission of India.
Both the Ministers said there was considerable potential for greater trade and urged the business community to capitalise on this potential.
Investments by Indian companies in areas like ports, power, agro-industries, forest products, mining, construction industry, consumer goods, highways, oil and gas, plantation, manufacturing, hospitality and ICT would be specifically encouraged, said a statement.
The two leaders also agreed that both governments would work to identify and remove various impediments to bilateral trade.
The Ministers said they looked forward to meeting of Joint Trade Investment Forum scheduled to be held later this year in Chennai and noted that this forum, chaired by senior business leaders of each side, would facilitate expansion of bilateral trade and investment.
Myanmar took note of India’s proposal to consider granting a license to an Indian bank to open a branch in Myanmar so as to facilitate greater Indian trade and investment into that country.
The two Ministers emphasised the need for closer cooperation to further energy security and agreed to encourage investment by Indian companies in the petroleum industry.
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