Suu Kyi Meets PM Modi, Signs New Agreements to Enhance Bilateral Ties

New Delhi: India and Myanmar signed three agreements following delegation-level talks headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, the third and concluding day of her three-day state visit to India.

PM Modi said India was committed to the development of Myanmar as the two countries signed new agreements to enhance bilateral ties during State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi New Delhi visit.

"The two leaders witness exchange of agreements in sectors of power, banking and insurance," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

One memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on cooperation in the power sector. A second MoU was signed on banking supervision between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Myanmar while a third MoU was inked for designing an academic and professional building programme for the insurance industry of Myanmar.

Extending support and solidarity to the the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, PM Modi said, "As you lead Myanmar to become a modern and prosperous nation, India and its friendship will stand with you"

"India has a robust development cooperation programme with Myanmar. We have agreed to enhance our engagement in several areas including agriculture, power, renewable energy and power sector." said the Prime Minister.

"We have agreed to enhance our engagement in several areas including agriculture, power, renewable energy and power sector", he added.

PM Modi said that as close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are closely aligned and agreed that close security co-ordination in border areas & sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests, will serve mutual interests.

Aung San Suu Kyi reciprocated saying, "We have always admired India for being the greatest democracy in the world. We are confident that our countries can overcome challenges"

On Tuesday, Suu Kyi met with President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Though Suu Kyi is not the President as Myanmar's constitution bars her from this, the Nobel peace laureate is effectively the de facto leader of the country.

This is the first official visit of Suu Kyi to New Delhi since her National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed power in Myanmar in March this year.

Prior to reaching New Delhi on Monday for the state visit, she attended the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit in Goa on Sunday.

Her visit comes after Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw's visit to India in August this year.