Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counter-terrorism.
New Delhi allocates $3 million for restoration of Anand Temple
The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.
The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar. India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated $3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).- PTI (Read more here)
India is collaborating with Myanmar for the conservation and restoration of Anand Temple
Modi's press statement in Myanmar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.
Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and Minister of President's Office on Wednesday. Following the discussions, Modi gave a speech at the joint press statement with Suu Kyi.
By visiting Myanmar, Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by 'big brother'
What Modi probably has to lose is the wobbly friendship with the military regime and the hawkish General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces. By stopping over en route from the BRICS Summit in China where he and Xi Jinping played genteel footsies and little else in the thaw after the Doka La impasse Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by big brother.
In the bigger picture context it is hugely indiscreet and tactless but if a display of Indian confidence is the yardstick well, China would certainly be miffed that this visit does not bode well for the present plastic cordiality.
Read the full opinion here
Narendra Modi meets Aung San Suu Kyi on Myanmar visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.
India encourages Myanmar to find ways for socio-economic development
Ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, India, which has maintained that there is no change in policy on illegal immigrants, has said that New Delhi would encourage the Myanmar government to "find ways of stimulating socio-economic development" in Rakhine, reported India Today.
"If there is active economic activity in the state, many of the problems will be at least reduced," said Joint Secretary, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan at a press briefing before Narendra Modi's Myanmar visit. She said India was working in that direction.
A look at shared cultural ties between India and Myanmar
India and Myanmar share close cultural ties and a sense of deep kinship given India's Buddhist heritage. Building on this shared heritage India is undertaking some key initiatives: Restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan and GOI donation of a 16 foot replica of the Sarnath Buddha Statue which has been installed at the premises of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon.
Myanmar troupes and artistes have participated in South Asian and ASEAN cultural events in India. India has also responded to Myanmar's interest in restoring and renovating two historic temples in Bodh Gaya built by Myanmar rulers King Mindon and King Baygyidaw.
Narendra Modi to visit Ananda Temple in Bagan city
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar. He will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.
As India seeks to deepen ties, experts fear China may have already beaten her to punch
Experts say that when it comes to Myanmar, China has repeatedly beaten India to punch repeatedly and continues to do so. China regards Myanmar as a land bridge to the Indian Ocean China has also shielded Myanmar from western criticism in the UN, on the issue of Rohingya Muslims.
India is also attempting to counter China's influence in other ways. India is developing a road which runs through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), a 2,800 km-long corridor that starts from Kolkata and passes through Bangladesh and Myanmar before ending at Kunming in China.
Read entire analysis here
China has been close to Myanmar
China has been steadily increasing its influence (both economic and political) in the country. It is Myanmar's largest trade partner, has investments in the country and has played a proactive role in bringing various armed groups to the negotiating table. This cooperation on ethnic issues has reaped economic dividends as Myanmar has shown interest in China's One Belt One Road initiative.
Mynamar is key to India's security interests in North East
There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in Northeast India according to the Livemint report. Indeed, some Indian insurgent groups operate from Myanmar. Therefore Myanmar's cooperation would go a long way in helping India deal with these insurgent groups.
Economic ties not impressive but there has been improvement
In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number according to The Economic Times. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.
Is Myamar India's gateway to Thailand?
Should India manage to upgrade the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard, while Myanmar develops the Yargyi-Monywa portion, it will greatly improve India’s connectivity and relationship with both Myanmar and Thailand.
Myanmar is only ASEAN country to border India
Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which shares a border with India. Therefore, it is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largesteconomy in the world if it were a single nation.
Economic investment will be discussed, says MEA
She said the Kaladan project and the trilateral high-way project will be discussed during the prime minister's visit.
India would also convey to Myanmar about the kind of project it has on its priority list and whether it would like to partner with India in their execution. "We will be guided by Myanmar government in its choice of projects," the MEA said.
India has an overall commitment of $1.75 billion for developmental programmes in Myanmar.
"Myanmar is a very very important partner in our Act East policy and neighbourhood first policy," said MEA.
No misunderstanding with Myanmar over last year's surgical strike
Asked about the Indian Army's action last year along the India-Myanmar border, Ranganathan said there was no misunderstanding between the two countries over the issue.
"I think it is very well known that actions were carried out along the border. It is a difficult border. It is a border on which the exact location of the boundary sometimes may be difficult to make out.
"I do not think there is any misunderstanding between us and the Myanmar government on what we sought to do," she said. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-kilometre-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Narendra Modi to discuss security cooperation, Rohingya crisis in first bilateral visit to Myanmar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Myanmar on Tuesday on his first bilateral state visit during which both sides are expected to ink a number of agreements and deliberate on key issues including exodus of Rohingya community.
Ways to deepen security and defence cooperation, implementation of India-assisted development projects and the issue of cross border activities by certain insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar are likely to figure during Modi's talks with leadership of the country during the three-day visit.
Narendra Modi calls for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management, as he suggested 10 'noble commitments' through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.
Modi, while speaking at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue' organised by China on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, said India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.
"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world — brick by brick, or, through BRICS....," Modi said.
Xiamen Declaration will go some way in dismantling terror, Pakistan-China friendship
The declaration will come as a major setback for Pakistan that will now find itself further isolated in the global community on the issue of terrorism. It happens to be the second time in a week that Pakistan has been rapped on its knuckles for its support to terrorists operating in the region. US president Donald Trump’s recently-announced policy on Afghanistan also sought to shame Pakistan on the issue. Now, the expression of concern over Pakistan-based terror groups at the BRICS Summit will work to double the diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.
Niharika Tagotra
Xi Jinping slams lack of international effort to combat climate change
Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.
Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement on climate change.
"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.
India must avoid drawing the wrong conclusions from China's tactical concessions on LeT, JeM
It is important not to draw all the wrong inferences from Monday's turn of events. As the news broke out, some Indian TV channels enthusiastically interpreted it as a case of 'China dumping Pakistan', some said it was a 'resounding win' after Doka La. Let's be clear. The breakthrough that India achieved on Monday at BRICS is significant. It represents a softening of China's stance on Pakistan-sponsored terror. But neither is it an unqualified 'victory' nor does it signal a dramatic change in Beijing's Pakistan policy.
Modi's meeting with Xi is may be qualitatively different
According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, China was under pressure due to its position as a host to come to a consensus on a joint declaration. According to his report, this helped India to push to add LeT and JeM as foreign terror outfits in the declaration.
"China faced the same problem in Xiamen that India faced in Goa last year — pressure of being the host. As host, the onus is on China to find a consensual joint declaration that can be adopted. The host has to walk the extra mile. Therefore the host's scope for taking extreme positions in these negotiations is crippled. Part of the reason why India couldn't push through similar language in the Goa declaration was precisely because of this."
GST India's biggest economic reform measure ever, says Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in July this year is the biggest economic reform ever in India.
"India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today," Modi said while addressing the BRICS Business Council meet in Xiamen as part of the 9th BRICS Summit.
"Foreign direct investment inflows are at an all-time high, rising by 40 percent," he said.
JeM, LeT included in joint declaration due to violent activities, says China
China on Monday said that Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network have been included in the BRICS joint declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region.
Defending the move to include these terror groups for the first time in the BRICS joint declaration, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".
"These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," Geng told PTI in a written response to a strong reference in the BRICS countries about these terror groups.
Recap: This time it is 'BRICS plus'
Apart from the five members of the BRICS, this summit will also include five other nations as part of China's outreach efforts. The five invitees to the BRICS Summit this time are: Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand. India is also expect to hold talks with the leaders of each invitee nations on the sidelines of the summit.
BRICS is a totally disparate grouping
The BRICS, which accounts for nearly 29 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity, shares less in common than other blocs. The Group of Seven (G7) are all rich, industrialised nations with broadly similar democratic politics. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council are composed of countries that at least live shoulder-to-shoulder. In everything from history to demographics, politics, and resource dependence, the BRICS vary enormously. The huge differences have rightly seen the acronym panned as a “bloody ridiculous investment concept”.
China-India spat signals last hurrah for BRICS?
A Reuters report notes that the future of the BRICS looks toxic. it adds that China and India stepped back from a border dispute just in time for a summit of the bloc of large emerging market countries, which helps Xi Jinping to keep up appearances ahead of a crucial political reshuffle. But the unusual tensions between the two Asian giants suggests the three-day gathering underway could be a last hurrah.
BRICS declaration condemns acts of terrorism
"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the Xiamen Declaration says.
Full text: Xi Jinping urges nations to 'speak with one voice'
Five major emerging economies opened BRICS summit on Monday to map out their future course, with host Chinese president Xi Jinping calling on them to play a bigger role in world affairs.
"We need to make the international order more just and equitable," he told the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa in his opening address. Xi said they should "speak with one voice" to jointly present their solutions to global problems and safeguard their common interests.
He also called on his BRICS partners to oppose a growing tide of protectionism across the world.
The leaders are holding their annual summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen through Tuesday.
A week after Doka La border row ends, Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping display bonhomie
The BRICS Summit began on Monday in Xiamen with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping, who received the leaders of Brazil, Russia and South Africa ahead of the restricted meeting of the grouping.
Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, venue of the 9th BRICS Summit in this port city of China and was followed by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Tuesday.
BRICS Summit taking place at a time of great geo-strategic churn
Moscow and Beijing view Afghanistan as the centre where terrorist groups like the Islamic State can breed and threaten countries in the neighbourhood and beyond.
Since April 2016, a group of countries under the auspices of what came to be known as the Moscow initiative began to analyse the Taliban as an Afghan, nationalist category which was not fired by transnational aspirations like the IS and Al Qaeda. The Taliban, in other words, should be brought into the tent, to borrow Lyndon Johnson's colourful expression.
This is a transformational design because so far the government in Kabul, Afghan security forces, the US and NATO forces have targeted the Taliban as the enemy.
India at risk of being sidelined on issue of terrorism
India may find itself sidelined again if it seeks to deliver a strong message against Pakistan's role as the 'mother ship of terrorism', as it did during last year's edition in Goa.
On Thursday, China stopped just short of warning India against raising the issue of terrorism, specifically Pakistan's role in it. "China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and protect regional security and stability. We have taken note of the concerns of the Indian side on counter-terrorism issues of Pakistan, but I don't believe that it should feature prominently during the Xiamen Summit," China's foreign ministry said at a media briefing in Beijing.
'BRICS plus' a reaction to India's BIMSTEC?
Explaining the 'BRICS Plus' approach, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the member countries have been inviting different countries during the annual summits of the group and referred to India's decision to invite leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) for last year's Goa summit in which Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members.
China has invited five countries as part of outreach programme
China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand as guest countries for the upcoming BRICS summit but clarified that the invitation is not an attempt to expand the group under its 'BRICS Plus' approach.
Xi Jinping strikes conciliatory tone ahead of summit
Xi on Sunday underscored that the BRICS must uphold the value of diplomacy to resolve "hotspot issues" as the leaders of the grouping, arrived for the Summit, which is starting on Monday.
Xi also appeared to take a reconciliatory tone when he, without directly referring to the recent Doka La standoff with India, underlined that "peace and development" should be the underpin to resolve issues as the world does not want "conflict and confrontation."
"We the BRICS countries should show our responsibilities to uphold global peace and stability," he said.
Modi welcomed by locals in Xiamen
China's assistant foreign minister Kong Xuanyu and Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui were there to receive Modi, who reached Xiamen on a rainy evening. Modi arrived at the Wyndham Grand hotel where some 50 locals were present to welcome him.
Russia taking the side of China on Pakistan?
For India, more worrying signs emerged on Friday when Russian president Vladimir Putin, writing for The Times of India newspaper, touched on a range of issues to be discussed during BRICS Summit including terrorism but made no mention of Pakistan. In calling for a "broad counterterrorism front" on terrorism, Putin's words were suitably vague, indicating the growing distance between the two nations. It is quite clear that bilateral trade is failing to bridge the geopolitical gap. Putin invoked Syria, tension on Korean Peninsula but had nothing to say about India's long struggle with cross-border terror.
Myanmar a key country in India's strategic interests in neighbourhood
India has been seeking deepening ties with Myanmar, which is considered a key pillar in India's Act East policy. Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has been growing steadily but, it lags behind China and Thailand in terms of presence in the Myanmarese market. India has committed $2 billion for development assistance to Myanmar, but projects have been slow in getting implemented. The Kaladan multi-modal transport project was the first major project undertaken by the Indian government in Myanmar. Modi's visit is expected to give a boost to these projects.
India appears to be a misfit in the China-led axis after Doka La crisis
The correlation (if any) between the Doka La resolution and BRICS Summit has been well explored. India should have no beef with Chinese position. It certainly doesn't stand to gain by walking out of BRICS. But it must equally consider how best to align BRICS with its core interests. And there needs to be at least a working relationship between New Delhi and Beijing. Short of these conditions, BRICS may rapidly dwindle into a propaganda platform for a China-led global order where India will appear a misfit.
China says no talk on Pakistan at BRICS Summit
China had already said that India's concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan will not be discussed at the BRICS Summit which started in Xiamen City on Sunday. However, India had rejected China's suggestion, IANS reported.
Modi should raise Pakistan's cross-border terrorism at BRICS, says Congress
The Congress on Sunday said it would be "remiss" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit in China.
"The export of terror from Pakistan is a fundamental concern of India. After its oldest ally, the US has clearly named and shamed Pakistan as being not only a promoter of terrorists but also a protector of terrorists, it would be remiss of the Prime Minister if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit," IANS quoted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari as saying.
Modi to leave for Myanmar for a two-day visit after BRICS Summit
After the BRICS Summit at Xiamen is over on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Myanmar. The prime minister will be in Myanmar between 6 and 7 September 2017. This will be his first trip to India's eastern neighbour since taking office in 2014.
North Korea nuclear test to irk China?
The nuclear test on Sunday, which also led to a 6.3 magnitiude earthquake, came just before Xi took the stage for a pre-BRICS address in Xiamen. The timing of the test seemed deliberate and will no doubt anger Beijing, which swiftly condemned the explosion.
Modi will also meet Putin, Sisi
Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, which is among the five counties — Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan — invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.
North Korea steals spotlight by 'detonating' H-bomb
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday opened the annual summit of BRICS leaders but that already has been upstaged by North Korea's latest nuclear weapons provocation.
North Korea stole the spotlight on Sunday by announcing it had detonated a powerful hydrogen bomb and claiming it could fit the device on a long-range missile, dramatically raising the stakes in its standoff with the world.
Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi to hold bilateral talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, nearly a week after India and China announced resolution of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.
Narendra Modi in Xiamen for BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in China to attend the 9th annual BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. The summit is taking place just days after India and China decided to defuse Doka La standoff. Last year, India hosted the summit at Goa.
After the bilateral meeting with the host, Modi will be travelling to Myanmar.
5 Bs connect India to Myanmar, says Modi
I read somewhere five Bs are base of India-Myanmar relations - Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak...: PM Modi
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
PM Modi focuses on infrastructure development
Infraculture is important. By infraculture I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017
Modi says he has decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen lodged in Indian jails
Have decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/Hv7X9kL3Fl
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
PM Modi lauds External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's efforts
EAM Sushma Swaraj is very active. She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help: PM pic.twitter.com/fvfL1Vwpn6
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
Modi says India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created
An India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/HDtSQNAqgC
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
We are not merely changing India, we are building a new India: PM Modi addresses the Indian community in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/i74d6zhna9
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
Modi recalls freedom fighters who fought on Burmese soil
Bharat ke swantrata aandolan ka itihaas Myanmar ko naman kiye bina kabhi poora nahin ho sakta: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/bbAL4acc9w
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
I'm facing a mini India here, says PM Modi
Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counter-terrorism.
"I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," Modi said in a tweet.
The Prime Minister left for Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Myanmar, from this southeastern Chinese city where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.
Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.
File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PTI
Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.
He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.
The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.
Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.
The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.
Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.
The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.
Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
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On Wednesday evening in the city of Mandalay, soldiers swept through an area housing railway workers who were boycotting work, shooting multiple rounds
Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on 1 February, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered
The United Nations warned the Myanmar's military of 'severe consequences' for tough action against the protesters, and condemned the internet restrictions