New Delhi. India and Myanmar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence co-operation.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (MAH), Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar, who has been on an official visit to India from July 25 to August 2.

The MoS Defence held talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Both sides were accompanied by senior officials. The talks were aimed at enhancing defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defence Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co-operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure.

The visiting dignitary accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Myanmar Defence Services called on Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat and Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Karambir Singh.

The Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services was accorded a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. He also paid homage at the National War Memorial.

Myanmar is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy towards prioritising relations with its East Asian neighbours. India has steadily increased defence co-operation with Myanmar in recent years.