India, Burma sign five pacts
India and Burma on Tuesday agreed to enhance the cooperation between their security forces in tackling terrorism and to strengthen cooperation along the border, besides agreeing to a roadmap for closer economic engagement.
Five pacts were signed here towards the end of the talks between visiting Burmese Senior General Than Shwe, the head of state and chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Both the sides signed the treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters and the agreement on cooperation in the fields of science and technology. Three MoUs — regarding Indian assistance for implementation of small developmental projects, information cooperation and conservation and restoration of Ananda temple at Bagan in Burma — also were signed on the occasion.
The Burmese General reassured New Delhi that its territory would not be allowed to be used for terrorist activities against India or to harbour insurgent organisations and their operatives, such as the outlawed Ulfa (United Liberation Front of Asom).
Both sides also reviewed their defence cooperation. The Burmese are understood to have shown interest in acquiring armoured personnel carriers, rifles with night vision devices and high-speed patrol boats from India.
The joint statement issued after the talks said India has renewed its commitment to continue with developmental assistance to Burma.
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