India and Myanmar  agreed to coordinate with each other on border security as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to help develop Myanmar.

“As close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are closely aligned,” Modi said in the presence of Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after delegation-level talks between the two sides. “We have agreed that a close coordination to ensure security in the areas along our border, and sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests, will serve the interests of both our countries,” Modi said.

India shares a 1,600-km border with Myanmar. Security has been an issue with insurgent groups from the northeast taking refuge in Myanmar territory.

In August, the Indian Army reportedly carried out surgical strikes in Myanmar after National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) militants fled to Myanmar from Mon in Nagaland after being attacked.

“From the mega connectivity projects like Kaladan and trilateral highway, to projects in the fields of human resource development, healthcare, training and capacity building, we are sharing our resources and expertise with Myanmar.

“India’s nearly $1.75 billion of development assistance is centered on people and is in line with the priorities of Myanmar government and its people.”

India and Myanmar signed three MoUs following the talks – one on cooperation in power sector, another on banking supervision and a third on designing an academic and professional building programme for the insurance industry of Myanmar.