India shares a geo-strategic interest in this region due to the proximity it shares with the South East Asian Nations. Four north-eastern states of India viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share boundary with Myanmar. From ancient times we had close contact with Myanmar in terms of religious, ethnic, linguistic ties.
Recent Developments Several institutional mechanisms ensure regular consultations between the two governments. The Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) is co-chaired by EAM and the Myanmar Foreign Minister. Foreign Office Consultations are led at the level of Foreign Secretary/Permanent Secretary.
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India shares around 1600 Kms. border with Myanmar as well as a Maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Further, Myanmar is the only ASEAN country adjoining India and, therefore, our gateway to South East Asia with which we are seeking greater economic integration through India’s ‘Look East’ and now ‘Act East’ Policy. Business opportunities that emerge from a surging economy in Myanmar also provide new vistas for engagement.
Commercial Cooperation
A bilateral Trade Agreement was signed in 1970. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily and reached US $2.18 billion (2016-17) but declined to $1.6 billion in 2017-18, mainly due to imposition of quantitative restrictions by India on import of beans and pulses.
Bilateral Cooperation in Regional/ Sub-regional Context
Myanmar's membership of ASEAN, BIMSTEC and Mekong Ganga Cooperation has introduced a regional/sub-regional dimension to bilateral relations and imparted added significance in the context of our "Act East" policy. Myanmar has generally been supportive of India's stand in various international organizations. For our part, we have supported Myanmar's association with SAARC as an observer, a status Myanmar formally acquired in 2008.
Disaster Relief
Development Cooperation: Sittwe Port
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