NEW DELHI, Oct 19 - India and Myanmar today firmed up a strategy for close security coordination in border areas in the face of the sensitivity of each other�s strategic interests.
The decision was arrived at a delegation-level talks with visiting State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has also offered to enhance power supply from Moreh in Manipur to Tamu in Myanmar. Modi said the two sides will also work to develop a mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.
The Archaeological Survey of India will soon begin work on restoring two old temples and inscriptions of King Mindon and King Bagyidaw in Bodh Gaya.
Aung San Suu Kyi said her country has always admired India for being the greatest democracy in the world. She hoped that both the countries can overcome challenges. She said India with its experiences can help Myanmar�s endeavours in all key areas.
Aung San Suu Kyi, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
A joint statement signed at the end of the meeting said that the Prime Minister also condemned the recent armed attacks against three border posts in the northern part of Rakhine State.
Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism wherever, by whomever, against whomsoever committed and agreed that the fight against terrorism should target terrorists, hold to account terror organisations, networks and also states that encourage, support or finance terrorism in any way. Both sides also agreed that terrorism is first and foremost a violation of human rights and that there can be no justification for extending support, financing, provision of material resources or training to terrorists who destroy innocent lives.
Both sides shared the view that maintaining security along the border is essential for the socio-economic development of the border area. In this regard, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight insurgent activity and the scourge of terrorism.
India and Myanmar also expressed the view that the long-standing commitment not to allow insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities against the other side is essential for the prosperity of the people residing along the border. In this context, it was agreed that the border guarding forces on both sides would further coordinate and exchange information towards securing the common borders.
Both sides expressed their mutual respect for the already-demarcated boundary between the two countries, and stressed the need to resolve outstanding boundary demarcation issues as soon as possible through existing mechanisms.
Understanding that enabling and facilitating regulated and easy movement of people across the land borders for business, tourism and other purposes is in the mutual interest of both the countries, both sides also agreed to coordinate, through diplomatic channels, the setting up of immigration facilities at the Tamu-Moreh and Rhi-Zowkhathar border crossing points.
