Army chief, Foreign secretary to formalize on the shipping agreement and security ties with Myanmar

Photo Credits: Hindustan Times

As the general elections of Myanmar are on the way, India is taking the much anticipated step to formalize the coastal shipping agreement for further activation of the Kaladan multi-modal project and cement security ties against insurgent groups. Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla will be travelling to Naypyidaw on Sunday to seal the agreement.

Gen Naravane and Shringla will be having an official meeting with senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Aung San Suu Kyi holding the post of state counsellor of Myanmar before the November 8 elections.

The visit will mark the execution of the pending project from past 20 years when it was proposed during Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. There will be further discussions about strengthening security ties by imposing stringent regulations for the Indian-Myanmar border thereby restricting the entry to the anti-India insurgents and drug peddlers.

A part of the talk will be about the enhanced cooperation with respect to energy sector referencing New Delhi who has invested over $1.4 billion dollars for development of hydrocarbon-rich off-shore in the Andaman Seas.

India and Myanmar would also put forth the issue of rehabilitation of the Rohingya Tribes. A senior official quoted, “As India sees Myanmar as the key to develop and secure its north-east region, the dialogue with Naypyidaw will be comprehensive and discuss all aspects of the relationship.”