Modi meets Myanmar's president, discuss steps to deepen "historical relationship"
PM Narendra Modi discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between India and Myanmar when he called on President Htin Kyaw during his maiden bilateral visit to the country. Modi reached Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday after attending the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. Modi is expected to discuss several issues with Myanmar's state counsellor and de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Modi has "wonderful" meeting with President Kyaw
Modi seeks to strengthen security, trade, cultural ties
Prior to his visit, Modi had said he would seek to strengthen India's existing cooperation with Myanmar on issues of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture. Modi had previously visited Myanmar in 2014 for the ASEAN-India Summit. The latest trip marks his first bilateral visit. Both Kyaw and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.
Modi's visit comes amid increased Rohingya violence in Myanmar
Modi's visit to Myanmar comes amid increased ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. The violence has left around 400 people dead and forced nearly 125,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh. The Rohingya exodus remains a matter of concern for India as well. Earlier, India said it plans to deport 40,000 Rohingya refugees living illegally in its territory.
