India, Myanmar Discuss Steps to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

India and Myanmar review defence cooperation and discuss new initiatives focused on training, capacity building, maritime security and mutual security during their third Defence Cooperation Meeting in Guwahati.

India and Myanmar reviewed progress in bilateral defence cooperation and discussed new initiatives to strengthen training, capacity building and mutual security during the third India-Myanmar Defence Cooperation Meeting held in Guwahati.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Myanmar’s Chief of Armed Forces Training, Lt Gen Pyae Sone Linn. The two sides assessed the progress of defence cooperation initiatives agreed during their previous meeting in Yangon in 2025 and exchanged views on additional areas for collaboration.

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The discussions placed particular emphasis on enhancing training and capacity-building initiatives between the two armed forces, along with strengthening mutual security cooperation. Myanmar also expressed appreciation for India’s humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake in the country. India had responded as a first responder and close neighbour through Operation Brahma, providing support in the aftermath of the disaster.

The latest meeting follows broader efforts by the two countries to expand military-to-military engagement. In May 2026, then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi met Myanmar Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Htein Win in Naypyitaw. Their discussions covered maritime engagement opportunities, capacity building, training exchanges, Mobile Training Teams, hydrography and improving interoperability between the two navies.

The two sides also discussed maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and the need for greater cooperation in addressing emerging asymmetric threats at sea. During his Myanmar visit, Admiral Tripathi also met Myanmar Defence Minister General Htun Aung and senior naval commanders to review bilateral defence activities and identify further avenues of cooperation.

India has also supported Myanmar’s naval capacity through assistance projects. During the May visit, India handed over a Containerised Small Arms Simulator and a Rigid Inflatable Boat to Myanmar’s Naval Training Command. The projects were aimed at supporting training and maritime security capabilities in the Bay of Bengal.

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The latest Defence Cooperation Meeting reflects continued engagement between India and Myanmar on defence training, capacity building and regional maritime security, alongside wider bilateral efforts to maintain cooperation between the neighbouring countries.