BIMSTEC: Narendra Modi discusses earthquake, bilateral ties with Myanmar Junta leader

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

During the meeting, Modi reassured India’s assistance to sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time.

"Both leaders discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more,"read the statement issued by the Indian government.

After the meeting, Modi posted on X: "I had a separate meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. I reiterated my condolences for the loss of lives and property due to the severe earthquake. India is doing everything possible to help our brothers and sisters in Myanmar in this difficult time."

Myanmar Earthquake

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar last Friday, which left 3145 people dead.

India sent its medical, rescue experts and other humanitarian aids to the neighbouring nation after the quake.

Rescue operations in the country are still underway.

Modi Discusses Bilateral Ties

Apart from discussing the earthquake and its effect on the nation, Modi and the Myanmar leaders also held bilateral talks.

"We also discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more," Modi said.

Modi Meets Bhutan PM

Modi met the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Thailand today.

In a post on X, he stated: “Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust. We are cooperating extensively in several sectors."

Modi And BIMSTEC

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was - "BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.

The Prime Minister began his address by offering condolences on the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.

He thanked Prime Minister Shinawatra for successfully steering the Group.

Highlighting BIMSTEC as a vital bridge between South Asia and South-East Asia, the Prime Minister underlined that the Group had become an impactful platform for regional cooperation, coordination and progress.

In this regard, he called for further strengthening the agenda and capacity of BIMSTEC.

The Prime Minister announced several India-led initiatives towards institution and capacity building in BIMSTEC. These include setting up of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Research and Training in Agriculture.

He also announced a new programme for skilling the youth – BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] under which training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, students, researchers, diplomats and others.

He also offered a pilot study by India to assess regional needs in Digital Public Infrastructure and a capacity building programme for cancer care in the region. Calling for greater regional economic integration, Prime Minister offered to establish BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and to organize BIMSTEC Business Summit every year in India.