New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day state visit to Myanmar, said on Wednesday that India is concerned about the “extremist violence†against security forces in Rakhine state.
“We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been affected,†PM Modi said in a joint statement with Suu Kyi at Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw.
Modi said, “we hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected,†he said, adding “peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all†can be achieved.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.
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“Prime Minister Modi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations,†PMO tweeted.
PM @narendramodi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations. pic.twitter.com/dPCMang4wO
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017
“Meeting a valued friend. Prime Minister Modi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi,†External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017
The prime minister’s visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.
The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.
India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.
(With PTI inputs)
