BIMSTEC: NSA Doval and counterpart Moe Aung discuss violence, instability in Myanmar
- In Reports
- 10:24 PM, Jul 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
India's concerns regarding the repercussions of the violence and instability in Myanmar were discussed during a meeting between National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Myanmarese counterpart, Admiral Moe Aung, according to sources familiar with the matter on Friday.
According to the Indian embassy in Yangon, Doval is currently in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, to attend a meeting of security chiefs from the member nations of the BIMSTEC group.
This is one of the first visits by a senior Indian functionary to Myanmar since the 2021 coup by the junta.
Myanmar has been experiencing widespread violent protests demanding the restoration of democracy since the military seized power in a coup on 1 February 2021. Several regions in Myanmar have seen intense fighting between the military junta and resistance forces, with the latter having already captured several towns.
"NSA Shri Ajit Doval is leading the Indian delegation at the 4th Annual Meeting of #BIMSTEC Security Chiefs being held in Naypyidaw today. He met with the Myanmar NSA Admiral Moe Aung yesterday, and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing," the Indian embassy said in a post on 'X'.
As resistance forces have overrun military positions and captured key trading posts on the borders with India, Bangladesh, and China, concerns in New Delhi have increased about the potential impact on the northeastern states.
Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that India's concerns about the security situation in Myanmar were discussed during Doval's meeting with his Myanmarese counterpart. The Indian side highlighted the impact of the violence and instability in Myanmar on India's border regions.
Myanmar shares a 1,640-km border with several Indian states, including Nagaland and Manipur.
While delivering India's national statement at the meeting of BIMSTEC security chiefs, Doval discussed enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and organised crime, according to a separate post by the Indian embassy in Myanmar on X.
Doval also spoke about BIMSTEC connectivity, holding the second port conclave, and “water security of Himalayan river systems,” the embassy said.
The Indian NSA travelled to Myanmar after representing India at the state funeral of Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi. He personally conveyed India's condolences to President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the bereaved family.
Image source: X
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