Myanmar Is India’s Gateway to Southeast Asia: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu Welcomes Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties
- President Murmu receives Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Calls Myanmar a key partner in India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies
- India reiterates support for peace, reconciliation and development in Myanmar
- Both leaders express confidence in stronger bilateral relations ahead
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st June: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday received Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at Rashtrapati Bhavan and described Myanmar as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, underlining the strategic and cultural importance of bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Welcoming the Myanmar leader, President Murmu said India and Myanmar share deep cultural, civilisational and spiritual connections that stretch back centuries and continue to form the foundation of a strong and enduring partnership.
She noted that Myanmar occupies a unique place in India’s foreign policy as the only ASEAN nation sharing a land border with Bharat and remains a key partner in India’s “Neighbourhood First”, “Act East” and “MAHASAGAR” initiatives.
The President congratulated Min Aung Hlaing on assuming office as President of Myanmar and expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
She said India looks forward to working closely with the new government in Myanmar and reiterated New Delhi’s readiness to support the country’s developmental priorities.
President Murmu also conveyed India’s steadfast support for Myanmar’s efforts towards peace, stability and national reconciliation.
Highlighting connectivity as a critical pillar of the bilateral partnership, she expressed hope that ongoing infrastructure and connectivity projects between the two countries would be completed at the earliest with the support of the Myanmar government.
The President welcomed the expansion of bilateral trade in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery and agricultural products but observed that economic engagement remains below its full potential.
She stressed the need for both countries to work together to further enhance trade and commercial cooperation, creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest and expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between India and Myanmar would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
The meeting underscored the importance India attaches to its eastern neighbour as a vital bridge to Southeast Asia and a key partner in regional connectivity, trade and strategic engagement.
