Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here this afternoon on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar on the invitation of President U Htin Kyaw. The visit is taking place at a time of worsening Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and the issue is likely to figure in the talks between Mr Modi and leadership of the country.
The Prime Minister will hold discussions with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of mutual interest. Apart from his engagements in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, he will also visit Yangon and Bagan. During the visit, both countries will review developments in bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas to work together. The two leaders will also look at strengthening existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture.
Modi will also visit the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India has done stellar work on renovating the Ananda Temple, and where it will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in last year’s earthquake. The Prime Minister during his visit to the country will meet and interact with the Indian-origin community of Myanmar. He will end his visit in Yangon. Myanmar has been an important partner in India’s Act East policy and is also a partner of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). India’s four north-eastern states share 1,600 km-long border with Myanmar and both the countries have shared traditional ties of kinship.
