Resolving to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activities, India and Myanmar on Thursday decided to broadbase their defence and security cooperation to ensure peace along the 1,640-km-long border as New Delhi expressed strong commitment to modernise the Myanmarese Armed
Forces.
Over a month after Indian Army carried out a counter- insurgency strike along the Indo-Myanmar border, the Joint Consultative Commission of the two countries delved extensively on having better coordination and cooperation between their security forces to deal with militant groups, particularly those from the northeast region.
Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Myanmarese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, the JCC reviewed entire gamut of bilateral ties and also agreed to step up cooperation in border management and in sectors like petroleum, trade and commerce.
Both leaders reiterated that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other. Myanmar, considered one of India's strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Pitching for closer cooperation in energy sector, the two leaders decided to encourage investment by Indian companies in Myanmar oil and gas sector, including in available blocks that are being offered for investment which have good prospects.