Myanmar on Monday assured India of not allowing its territory to be used for activities detrimental to New Delhi’s security interests as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing held wide-ranging talks aimed at deepening cooperation in security, trade, connectivity and regional stability.The assurance came during Hlaing’s first official visit to India, with both sides underlining the importance of preventing the misuse of their sovereign territories against each other’s security interests.According to a joint statement issued after the talks, Hlaing reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to this principle. Modi, in turn, reaffirmed India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed that New Delhi remained committed to strengthening bilateral security cooperation.The two leaders also agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties, including through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, which has been operational since May 2024. Both sides noted the steady growth in transactions under the arrangement and expressed support for expanding cooperation in sectors such as agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining.On the political front, Modi conveyed India’s support for Myanmar-led efforts towards achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development. He also offered continued assistance and cooperation, while the Myanmar President appreciated India’s constructive engagement and support.The discussions highlighted Myanmar’s strategic importance in India’s regional outreach. Modi noted that Myanmar sits at the intersection of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies. The two sides reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, security, border management, development partnership and cultural exchanges. Connectivity projects figured prominently in the talks, with both leaders emphasising the need to expedite the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, seen as critical to boosting economic integration and regional connectivity.In a significant educational initiative, Modi announced that the number of Mekong-Ganga ICCR scholarships available to Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 from this year.Earlier during his visit, the Myanmar President addressed the India-Myanmar Business Conclave here, where industry leaders explored opportunities to expand commercial engagement. He also visited NTPC’s Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) facility in Greater Noida to observe India’s advances in clean energy technologies, renewable energy integration and grid resilience.President Hlaing also invited PM Modi to visit Myanmar at mutually convenient dates.