National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Myanmarese counterpart Admiral Moe Aung on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC grouping’s meeting Friday. The meeting with the top leadership of the Myanmar government assumes significance since the country has been witnessing widespread violent protests demanding restoration of democracy since the military seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021. Several parts of Myanmar have been witnessing intense fighting between the military junta and resistance forces, who have captured several towns. Doval is in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw to attend a meeting of security chiefs of member nations of BIMSTEC grouping, according to the Indian embassy in Yangon. “NSA Shri Ajit Doval is leading the Indian delegation at the 4th Annual Meeting of #BIMSTEC Security Chiefs being held in Naypyitaw today. He met with the Myanmar NSA Admiral Moe Aung yesterday, and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,” the Indian embassy in Myanmar posted on X. Participating in the BIMSTEC meeting, Doval called on BIMSTEC countries to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime. “NSA delivered India's national statement at #BIMSTEC meet. He spoke on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime; BIMSTEC connectivity; holding 2nd Ports Conclave; and water security of Himalayan river systems,” the Indian embassy said. The meeting has been convened to strategise and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states. Doval reached Myanmar Thursday from Hanoi where he attended the state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party.
