CNI News

1 September 2025

During a meeting in Tianjin, China on August 31, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chairman of Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, discussed bilateral relations.

According to a statement on his Facebook page, Modi said, "Myanmar is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Neighborhood First Policy. We agreed that there is great potential to enhance our bilateral relations in the fields of trade, connectivity, energy, rare earth mining, and security."

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement quoting Modi, who said India believes that a peaceful, negotiated solution is the best way to address the situation in Myanmar and that India encourages Myanmar to take the lead in solving its own issues.

The report also noted that they discussed border trade and defense and security matters. 

Rare earth metals are mined in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin states, primarily by Chinese companies. 

These mining areas are reportedly controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), and are not under the control of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The report also highlighted that there are intense clashes between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in Sagaing Region and Chin State, which are both border India, leading to instability and a halt in trade. 

India is also concerned about security, as some armed groups, such as the Kuki and Naga, who are fighting against the Indian government, are based in areas of Myanmar that border India.