NEW DELHI: In a rare meeting with
Myanmar deputy PM
and foreign minister U Than Shwe, who transited through Delhi on Wednesday,
EAM
S Jaishankar expressed deep concern about the impact of continuing violence and instability in Myanmar on the Indian border. Jaishankar said he particularly flagged
illegal narcotics
,
arms smuggling
and trafficking of persons as priority challenges and sought cooperation for early return of Indian nationals trapped in Myawaddy.
He said India is open to engaging all stakeholders in addressing this situation and pressed for credible security protection for India's projects in Myanmar. "Urged early return to the path of democratic transition in Myanmar. India stands ready to help in any manner," the EAM said.
This was possibly the first time there was an acknowledgement publicly by India about its engagement with a senior leader of the military junta. In a tough diplomatic stance, India has maintained ties with the regime because of the need to cooperate for checking activities of insurgents active in border areas.
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