CNI News
19 July 2025
A delegation led by Lieutenant General Shrinjay Pratap Singh, Director General of Indian Defense Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defense Staff (Intelligence) arrived in Myanmar on July 16, 2025 and the arrival of this delegation to Myanmar is raising questions among military and political observers about how significant it could be.
The Indian intelligence chief met with vice chairman of the SAC, deputy commander in chief of the defense services Vice Senior General Soe Win in Naypyidaw.
During the meeting, they discussed issues related to maintaining peace and stability in the border areas between the two countries, the rule of law, cooperation for security and development, and holding free and fair multi-party democratic general elections in Myanmar, reported the SAC.
The arrival of the Indian intelligence chief could be linked to the attacks in Naga region on the Myanmar side and the two countries could also reach agreements on internal security, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front (AFP), told CNI News.
While seeing leader of the ULFA-I who was killed by Indian attack
“The Indian intelligence chief’s visit could be related to cross-border issues, drug trafficking, and elements that could disrupt bilateral relations. The exchange of intelligence findings is a positive step. After 2023, during the fighting in Paletwa Township, Nhonbu Village and Taron Ai Village, many Myanmar Army soldiers crossed the border and sought refuge in India. There are consultations on how to jointly resolve the problems that arise on the border between the two countries. Military affairs related to the border can also be carried out under the diplomatic affairs. It can also be carried out under the bilateral military-to-military coordination. Political individuals from Myanmar might travel to India to live or further study, including on health and business. We heard that according to the Indian Constitution, the border affairs are under the control of the central government. I heard that the Indian central government has full authority over border issues and union matters," he said.
The Indian army conducted drone attacks to the military camps of the ULFA-I fighting against India and of the PLA based near Hoyat Village, Lahe Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone on the Myanmar side on July 13, 2025.
The attack resulted in the deaths of ULFA-I leaders, including Lieutenant General Nayan Aasu (alias Nayan Madi), Brigadier General Lahun (alias Ganesh Aasu), and Colonel Pradish Aasu, along with two comrades.
Following this incident, the Indian intelligence chief arrived in Myanmar on July 16 and met with the SAC Vice Chairman for discussions.
U Thein Tun Oo, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, told CNI News that there could be discussions on security issues between the two countries as Indian projects are located on the Myanmar side.
Paletwa region
“The main thing is that we can avoid unwanted issues through information exchange between the two countries. There are reports that India troops pursued and were attacking its rebels, and that their attacks have crossed into the Naga region on the Myanmar side. In any case, this issue is a matter for direct diplomatic dialogue, especially between senior military officials. There will be more to discuss between the two countries, especially regarding security. When the two countries work together, State actors from the two countries work together. At this time, the AA is not a state actor, but a non-state actor although it has captured many territories. As the Indian projects such as the Kaladan River Project are located on the Myanmar side, it will be necessary to discuss security issues." he said.
India is implementing the Kaladan River project, which would connect Rakhine and Chin states in Myanmar to the Indian state of Mizoram, but it has been halted due to fighting between the AA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
Similarly, The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project is also set to be implemented, but has not been able to begin due to ongoing fighting between the Myanmar military and the Spring Revolution Forces.
In addition, India is facing a growing number of arms and drug smuggling along the Myanmar-India border, as well as the influx of refugees from Myanmar due to the fighting.
