External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a series of meetings this evening on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat.

He held a trilateral meeting with his counterparts from Thailand and Myanmar. Their discussions focused on connectivity projects crucial for the future of BIMSTEC. They also exchanged views on border stability and humanitarian assistance. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said, that countering transnational crimes including cyber, narcotics and illegal arms is a shared priority of all three nations and they will continue to cooperate in that regard.

In his meeting with Myanmar counterpart U Than Swe, Dr Jaishankar shared concerns regarding border stability and the flow of displaced persons. He also spoke about issues of illegal narcotics and arms trade and the activities of insurgent groups. The External Affairs Minister pressed strongly for the early return of Indians unlawfully detained by cyber scam gangs. He said, India supports the return to democracy in Myanmar and engages all stakeholders in that regard.

Dr Jaishankar also met his Bhutan counterpart DN Dhuyngel and exchanged views on taking forward India and Bhutan’s unique ties of friendship and goodwill.

The External Affairs Minister received Nepal Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and discussed the steady growth of India-Nepal cooperation. He also received Sri Lanka Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasur and discussed the India-Sri Lanka bilateral partnership.