Tianjin, China – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held important bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, China. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic significance of Myanmar as a vital partner in India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India sees *immense scope to enhance cooperation with Myanmar in diverse fields, including trade and investment, cross-border connectivity projects, energy collaboration, rare earth mineral exploration, and security partnerships. He underlined that a stronger relationship with Myanmar is crucial not only for regional development but also for ensuring peace and stability across South and Southeast Asia.
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India and Myanmar share 1,600 km of land and maritime borders, and their historical ties are built upon shared cultural, religious, and civilizational links. Buddhism forms a strong cultural bridge, while people-to-people exchanges, educational linkages, and cross-border community interactions have added depth to the relationship.
Economically, Myanmar is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, playing a pivotal role in projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, both of which aim to boost connectivity and economic integration. Bilateral trade currently exceeds \$2 billion annually, with significant potential for growth in sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and digital technology.
On the security front, both sides reaffirmed cooperation to address cross-border challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, and trafficking. India has been working closely with Myanmar’s security forces to ensure peace along the North-East border, which is crucial for regional stability.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of regional and multilateral platforms, including the SCO, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN-led mechanisms, in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Myanmar’s active participation in these forums strengthens the broader vision of a connected, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting in Tianjin is being seen as a reaffirmation of India’s long-standing commitment to Myanmar, despite political and economic challenges. It reflects New Delhi’s belief that a strong and cooperative partnership with Myanmar is vital for advancing regional prosperity, connectivity, and security.
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