India PM arrives in Myanmar on three-day visit; focus on energy

Nay Pyi Taw, May 28(PTI) Seeking to elevate India's ties with resource-rich Myanmar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived here on Sunday on a historic visit during which the two sides will chart out a roadmap and take initiatives to bolster relations in several areas, including energy, trade and connectivity. Singh, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 25 years, will hold talks with Myanmar President Thein Sein as well as opposition leader and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi during the three-day trip. India sees Myanmar as a strategic asset for a closer connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc as well as a key partner in counter-insurgency and economic development initiatives in its northeast border areas. An energy-hungry India is also eying Myanmar's large oil and natural gas reserves and is looking at countering China's influence in the Southeast Asian country. Speaking to reporters here, Singh said he was looking forward to meeting the Myanmar leadership and opposition leader Suu Kyi in the next two days. "We have centuries of religious and civilizational ties with the people of Myanmar and I'm looking forward to my talks here", he said. PTI Caption for pic: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at Naypyidaw Airport, Myanmar on Sunday. PTI Photo