He expressed India's continued support to people-centric socio-economic developmental projects

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who visited Myanmar on November 20-21, discussed maintenance of security and stability in the border areas in his meetings with the country's senior leadership.

He also raised the issue of human trafficking by international crime syndicates in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar in which many Indian nationals have been caught and reviewed bilateral development cooperation projects, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra expressed India's continued support to people-centric socio-economic developmental projects, including those along the India-Myanmar border areas. He also highlighted India’s commitment towards an expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway.

According to the MEA, the Foreign Secretary reiterated India’s commitment to continue with the projects under Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.

Relations between India and Myanmar are founded on common historical, ethnic, cultural, and religious links. The relationship between both countries has endured the test of time.

The close proximity between both nations aided in the establishment and maintenance of friendly relations as well as promoted people-to-people exchange. Over 1600 kilometers of land separate India and Myanmar, and they also have a marine border in the Bay of Bengal. In Myanmar, there are a lot of people with Indian ancestry—some estimates put the number at 2.5 million.