Indian defence authorities assured the visiting Myanmarese Armed Forces chief that the nation is ready to provide training to the Myanmarese servicemen. General Min Aung Hlaing, the Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw (Myanmarese Armed Forces) is currently undertaking an official visit to India, to strengthen the defence ties between the two sides. General Hlaing had succeeded Senior General Than Shwe as the Tatmadaw chief last year.

The relations between India and Myanmar are going through a healthy phase, and the cooperation between the two sides has increased tremendously in the recent past. Both the sides have taken action against the rebel groups operating in each other’s territory, and India has provided the Tatmadaw with crucial supplies and equipment. The recent assurance given by India, to provide training to the Myanmarese soldiers will go a long way in cementing the relations.

General Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived yesterday in India, is likely to stay here until August 8. During this time period, he will meet senior Indian government and military officials, and will visit some of the military facilities located in the eastern part of India. He has already visited the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar. The current visit by the Myanmarese official is extremely significant, as the nation is undergoing transition from military rule to civilian rule.

General Aung Hlaing started his Indian visit by visiting the Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Today after visiting the India Gate to pay his respect to the Indian martyrs, he proceeded to meet the Indian officials. Apart from meeting the Indian defence minister AK Antony, the general is also likely to meet the chiefs of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. After meeting the officials, the General will visit the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in Kolkata, and the Eastern Naval command base in Vishakhapattanam.

Earlier this year, the Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh had visited Myanmar, boosting the diplomatic and military ties between the two nations. Genaral Aung Hlaing’s visit is seen by many as Myanmar’s response to the visit by Singh.