First Meeting of India-Myanmar Joint Consultative Commission held
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India

New Delhi, July 16 2015 : The first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Consultative Commission (JCC), as envisaged in Article 1 of the Protocol on Consultations between India and Myanmar, was held today in New Delhi.

The Indian delegation was led by Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister of India.

The Myanmar delegation was led by U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Reviewing a wide range of matters of bilateral importance, with specific focus on defense and border development the two Ministers agreed that greater bilateral cooperation between India and Myanmar will promote inclusive growth and development, and contribute to peace, prosperity and stability in their countries and the region.

On Myanmar"s request for purchase of 2-3 MW of power from Moreh, Manipur for the power station sub-station at Tamu, Myanmar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated India"s proposal for a joint technical visit to Moreh to finalise modalities.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activities in all its forms and manifestations.

Emphasizing on the need for enhanced cooperation, the two leaders welcomed regular meetings of the bilateral Regional Border Committee which promotes such cooperation and understanding for better border management.

Both leaders reiterated the assurance that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other.

Agreeing to the importance of sound border management as an intrinsic part of maintaining border security, both sides agreed that negotiations should be conducted to enable early conclusion of the bilateral MoU on Movement of People across the Land Border.

Both Ministers reiterated their determination to work together to resolve issue of unsettled boundary pillars in all sectors.

It was agreed that first meeting of the India -Myanmar Joint Boundary Working Group, with a mandate to address all outstanding boundary issues, would be held in New Delhi at the earliest.

The two Ministers further agreed that a joint visit at a senior official level would be arranged to the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland sector to understand situation in this sector.

Sushma Swaraj re-assured Myanmar that India is committed to support the modernization of Myanmar Armed Forces and would be happy to share its experience in functioning in a democratic environment, in creating a National army, cooperation in the field of IT, in dealing with emerging security challenges, and military to military cooperation including in terms of training.

Swaraj further extended an offer for capacity building of Myanmar election officials through the Election Commission of India ahead of the Myanmar general elections in November 2015 .

The Joint meeting also took into account the needs of communities residing near the border, and welcomed the decision taken in 2012 to set up border haats.

Authorities concerned were directed to finalize the modalities of operation so that trade can take place through border haats immediately.

The Ministers also emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between the two countries as a means of promoting commercial, cultural, tourism and other exchanges.

The two Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the steady progress being made on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (connecting Mizoram to Sittwe port in Myanmar); Upgradation of the Kalewa-Yargi Road section of the Trilateral Highway (connecting Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar); Construction of 69 bridges & approach roads on the Tamu - Kalewa section of the Trilateral Highway; Rih-Tedim Road in Myanmar (across Mizoram) .

Both Ministers also agreed that signing of the MOU to establish a direct Imphal-Mandalay Bus Service would be in mutual interest.

They also discussed for preparation for a formal start of bus service on this route, both sides may conduct trial runs of the bus service from Imphal to Mandalay and Mandalay to Imphal by the preferred operators of the service in the coming months.

It was noted in the meeting that the project would enhance bilateral trade and people to people contacts and would also contribute to the development and prosperity of the people living in the land locked North Eastern Region of India.

Identifying the need for special focus on the development and prosperity of the people in bordering areas, the two Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation to bring about overall socio-economic development in the border areas by undertaking both infrastructure development and micro-economic projects, including upgradation of roads and construction of schools, health centres, bridges, agriculture and related training activities in accordance with the MoU on India-Myanmar Border Area Development.

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