India, Myanmar sign def cooperation agreement

New Delhi: India and Myanmar on Monday signed a defence co-operation agreement providing for boosting bilateral military engagement, weeks after the two countries carried out a coordinated operation targeting several militant groups operating in the Northeast.

The pact was inked after Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held extensive talks with Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik.

Hlaing, accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Myanmar Defence Services, also met Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of Army Staff

General Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.

Officials said the talks were aimed at enhancing the overall defence co-operation, including strengthening training being provided to Myanmar defence personnel by India.

The two sides also explored ways to boost maritime security cooperation.

"On conclusion of the talks, India and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence co-operation," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Hlaing also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated him on the success in the recent parliamentary elections.

The senior general noted the rapid development of India in the past few years and also the all-round deepening of the unique relations between the two neighbours, including in the area of defence and security cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.