India and Myanmar has signed a defence co-operation agreement.
The agreement was signed on Monday after extensive talks covering a wide range of issues.
Both sides conducted reviews of joint military exercises and training provided to Myanmar defence services in India.
Strengthening of maritime security through joint surveillance and development of new infrastructure were also discussed.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Burmese Army ‘Tatmadaw‘ is currently on an official visit to India from July 25 to August 2.
On Monday, he held talks with minister of state for defence Shripad Naik, following which the agreement was signed.
India and Myanmar armies have in recent past co-operated closely in tackling trans-border ethnic insurgencies plaguing the long border region of both countries.
The Tatmadaw attacked and demolished several bases of the NSCN-K and other northeastern rebel groups in the Taga region of Myanmar’s Sagaing region earlier this year.
This has led to a spurt of surrenders especially from the ranks of the ULFA.
The Indian Army conducted ‘Operation Sunrise’ to deny the rebel Arakan Army any base in Mizoram and blocked its escape routes in coordinated operation with the Tatmadaw.
Analysts say this agreement may not only pave the way for round-the-year coordinated border patrolling but intelligence-driven joint counter-insurgency operations between the Indian and Burmese armies.