Indian Foreign Secretary in Myanmar for democracy talks

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is on a working visit to Myanmar from December 22 to 23, 2021. He called on the Chairman, State Administrative Council, and other senior representatives during his visit.

He held meetings with members of civil society and political parties, including the National League for Democracy. He is also scheduled to meet Myanmar-based Ambassadors and representatives of the UN.

During his meetings with all concerned, the Foreign Secretary emphasized India's interest in seeing Myanmar's return to democracy at the earliest; release of detainees and prisoners; resolution of issues through dialogue; and complete cessation of all violence.

He reaffirmed India's strong and consistent support to the ASEAN initiative and expressed hope that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner, based on the five point consensus.

In the context of Myanmar's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, he handed over one million doses of "Made in India" vaccines to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. A part of this consignment would be utilized for communities living along Myanmar's border with India. A grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat to Myanmar was also announced.

The visit also provided an opportunity to raise matters relating to India's security, especially in the light of the recent incident in Churachandpur district in southern Manipur.

India shares an approximately 1700 kms long border with Myanmar. Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India's bordering regions. Peace and stability in Myanmar remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region.