India and Myanmar on Monday held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing focusing on security cooperation, cybercrime, critical minerals, connectivity, and regional stability.
During the talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India highlighted the growing threat posed by cyber scam networks operating in Myanmar’s border regions and stressed the need for enhanced regional cooperation to combat the issue.
Addressing a special briefing after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India and Myanmar have been working closely to tackle cyber scam compounds, particularly in southeastern Myanmar, leading to the repatriation of 2,411 Indian nationals over the past 18 months.
“As of now, there are slightly over 150 Indian citizens about whom we have reports who are still trapped in some of these cyber scam compounds. We are in touch with the Myanmar government to try and repatriate the remaining people as well,” Misri said.
He noted that many victims are trafficked to Myanmar through third countries, underscoring the need for broader regional cooperation in addition to bilateral efforts.
“While the Indian nationals remain trapped there, they are usually trafficked there through a third country. That underlines the need not just for more bilateral cooperation, but also for greater regional cooperation on this matter,” he added.
The issue was among several topics discussed during the bilateral meeting, which both sides described as productive and focused on advancing cooperation for peace, progress, and prosperity.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi and President Hlaing agreed to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, development partnership, capacity building, security, and border management.
“Anchored in the enduring historical and people-to-people relationship, both sides agreed to advance the India-Myanmar partnership for peace, progress and prosperity,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
PM Modi reiterated that India remains Myanmar’s “trusted neighbour, reliable partner, and steadfast first responder” during times of crisis, in line with India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s readiness to support peace and dialogue efforts in Myanmar, including sharing its experiences in federal governance and economic development.
The two countries also discussed cooperation in the strategically important sectors of critical minerals and rare earths. Misri said both governments agreed to remain engaged on the issue and explore ways to advance collaboration.
“Issues related to critical minerals and rare earths did come up during the discussion today. There was an understanding that the two governments will continue to stay in touch on these issues and take forward cooperation in these areas,” he said.
On defence ties, the Foreign Secretary said India’s cooperation with Myanmar has primarily focused on training, capacity building, and institution strengthening, including support related to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Highlighting the importance of security cooperation, Misri pointed out that India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar, making border management and security-related coordination vital for both countries.
The Myanmar President, who is on a four-day visit to India from May 30 to June 2, also extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit Myanmar.
(With agency inputs)
