External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India’s concerns over border stability, humanitarian issues, and illegal narcotics trade during a meeting with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Shwe on Thursday.
The discussions took place at the sidelines of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Delhi.
In a social media post following the meeting, Jaishankar shared, “Met with DPM and FM U Than Swe of Myanmar on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat. Shared our concerns regarding border stability and flow of displaced persons… Also spoke about issues of illegal narcotics and arms trade and activities of insurgent groups. Pressed strongly for the early return of Indians unlawfully detained by cyber scam gangs.”
Highlighting India’s proactive approach towards regional stability, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
He affirmed India’s commitment to engage with all stakeholders to facilitate Myanmar’s return to democratic governance amidst ongoing protests following the military coup in February 2021.
“India supports the return to democracy in Myanmar and engages all stakeholders in that regard,” Minister Jaishankar added.
Jaishankar also addressed the plight of Indians unlawfully detained in Myanmar due to involvement in fraudulent job scams.
Approximately 100 Indians are currently stranded in Myawaddy as victims of these scams, reports indicate.
Jaishankar urged for their immediate release and cautioned against falling prey to fraudulent employment offers.
Recently, India’s embassy in Myanmar issued an advisory warning Indian nationals about the risks associated with fake job scams orchestrated by international crime syndicates operating in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border.
In addition to bilateral discussions with Myanmar, Jaishankar also participated in a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Sri Lanka during the BIMSTEC retreat.
BIMSTEC, comprising Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, aims to enhance regional cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, technology, and economic development.
