India and Myanmar expand cooperation on rare earths, trade and security

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India’s push to secure access to critical minerals and strengthen regional connectivity featured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President Gen Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi, alongside discussions on security cooperation and Myanmar’s political situation.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said rare earths and critical minerals were part of the discussions as both countries explored ways to deepen cooperation in the sector. “Issues relating to critical minerals and rare earths did come up during the discussions today,” Misri said after the meeting.

Myanmar holds sizable rare earth deposits, particularly in Kachin state near the Chinese border and in regions close to Thailand, although access to many of these areas remains difficult due to ongoing conflict involving armed ethnic groups.

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Connectivity and security concerns remain key focus

The two sides also reviewed the long-delayed Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, both considered important for improving India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia.

According to Misri, security conditions inside Myanmar continue to affect progress on the projects, especially in regions witnessing clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups. He said work has moved forward only in areas where the safety of workers and project teams could be ensured.

Myanmar assured India that it would continue facilitating the completion of the projects while also reiterating that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests.

The discussions additionally covered defence cooperation, capacity building and regional security challenges, including cyber fraud operations in Myanmar.

India has already repatriated more than 2,400 Indian nationals trafficked into cyber scam compounds in the country, while more than 180 Indians are still believed to be trapped there. Indian authorities are continuing to coordinate with Myanmar for their evacuation.

The leaders also discussed Myanmar’s prolonged political crisis and democratic transition. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need for peace, dialogue and inclusion of all stakeholders in the political process.

India also shared its experience in constitutional governance and federalism through workshops and seminars organised by the Indian Embassy in Yangon as Myanmar continues efforts toward a political settlement.

The two countries further agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, education, energy, artificial intelligence and space technology. Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar currently stands at around USD 2 billion.

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