President Murmu Calls Myanmar India’s Strategic Gateway to Southeast Asia
During talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, President Droupadi Murmu highlights connectivity, trade cooperation, and shared cultural ties as key pillars of bilateral relations.
New Delhi, June 1: Strengthening ties with Myanmar remains a key priority for India’s regional diplomacy, President Droupadi Murmu said on Monday while welcoming Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Rashtrapati Bhavan during his five-day visit to the country.
Emphasising the significance of the neighbouring nation in India’s foreign policy framework, Murmu noted that Myanmar occupies a unique strategic position as the only member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sharing a land boundary with India. She described the partnership as an essential component of New Delhi’s broader efforts to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and enhance regional connectivity.
The President highlighted the centuries old bonds that unite the two countries, pointing to their shared cultural heritage, civilisational links, and spiritual traditions. These historical connections, she said, continue to serve as a strong foundation for contemporary cooperation and mutual trust.
Congratulating Min Aung Hlaing on assuming the office of President of Myanmar, Murmu expressed confidence that bilateral engagement would gain fresh momentum under his leadership. She reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Myanmar’s development priorities and fostering closer collaboration across multiple sectors.
A major focus of the discussions was infrastructure and connectivity. Murmu stressed that improved transport and communication networks are vital for unlocking economic opportunities and strengthening people-to-people contacts. She expressed hope that ongoing bilateral projects would move forward swiftly with active support from the Myanmar government.
The President also underscored the scope for expanding economic cooperation. While acknowledging growth in trade across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products, she observed that commercial exchanges between the two countries have yet to reach their full potential. Both sides, she suggested, should work toward increasing trade volumes and exploring new avenues for investment and business partnerships.
Murmu further conveyed India’s continued support for peace, stability, and national reconciliation efforts in Myanmar, reaffirming New Delhi’s willingness to engage constructively in support of the country’s long-term development and prosperity.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations. They agreed that stronger cooperation in connectivity, commerce, and regional development would contribute to greater prosperity for both nations and reinforce longstanding friendship between the two neighbours.
Myanmar shares a 1,640-kilometre border with India and holds significant strategic importance due to its geographical proximity to several northeastern states, making it a crucial partner in regional security, connectivity, and economic integration initiatives.
