India–Myanmar relations to get new boost? After Modi's 'key pillar' comment, Yogi to visit Burma

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is all set to undertake a visit to Myanmar from August 5th-7th. This will be his first foreign tour after assuming office as CM of India's most populous state. Yogi Adityanath, who has an image as a Hindutva firebrand, assumed office on 26 March 2017. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recenlty described Myanmar as a "key pillar" of India's 'Act East' policy. PM expressed his firm commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship in all areas. Modi made the comments when Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services Sr Gen. U Min Aung Hliang called on him, a PMO statement said. Hliang briefed PM  about bilateral defence and security cooperation, the statement added. The prime minister appreciated the close cooperation between the armed forces of both the countries, it said. During the meeting, Myanmar's military chief condemned the recent terrorist attack on pilgrims of Amarnath yatra in Kashmir. He expressed his sincere condolences for the victims, the statement said. In return, PM Modi also conveyed his condolences at the loss of lives of Myanmar armed forces personnel and their families in the tragic air crash which took place on June 7. About India–Myanmar relations: Image courtesy: Google maps Since 1993, bilateral relations Myanmar and India have improved considerably, overcoming tensions related to drug trafficking, the suppression of democracy and the rule of the military junta in Burma. The Indian government had worked to extend air, land and sea routes to strengthen trade links with Myanmar and establish a gas pipeline. Both governments have been proceeding to enhance cooperation in agriculture, telecommunications, information technology, steel, oil, natural gas, hydrocarbons and food processing. Countering China's influence: India's move to forge close relations with Myanmar are motivated by a desire to counter China's growing influence as a regional leader. China's extensive military involvement in developing ports, naval and intelligence facilities, are point of concern. India's engagement with Myanmar government has helped ease the regime's international isolation. India's engagement also lessen Burma's reliance on China. India and Myanmar are leading members of BIMSTEC. Myanmar's location:  Myanmar is located south of the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. India–Myanmar border: The Indo-Burmese border stretches over 1,600 kilometeres.