India, Myanmar sign MoU on defense cooperation

The Special Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Subhash Chandra and the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Republic of Union of Myanmar, Brigadier General Aung Kyaw Hoe exchanging an MoU between India and Myanmar, in the presence of the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Defence, Shripad Yesso Naik and the Commander-In-Chief of Defence Services, Republic of Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in New Delhi on July 29. (PIB Photo)

DIMAPUR, JULY 29 (MExN): India and Myanmar today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defense co-operation. This was done on conclusion of talks between Union Minister of State for Defense, Shripad Yesso Naik and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services (CDS) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar. 

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is currently on an official visit to India from July 25 to August 2. A press release from the Press and Information Bureau (PIB) informed that both sides during the talks were accompanied by senior officials. 

“The talks were aimed at enhancing defense co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defense Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co-operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure.” The PIB added.

Earlier, the visiting dignitary, accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Myanmar Defense Services, called on Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was accorded a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. He also paid homage at the National War Memorial.

The PIB release stated that Myanmar is a “key pillar of India’s Act East Policy towards prioritising relations with its East Asian neighbours,” and that “India has steadily increased defense co-operation with Myanmar in recent years.”