PM says his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday justified demonetisation which has come in for criticism, asserting that his government was not afraid of taking "big" and "tough" decisions in the interest of the country.
Addressing the Indian diaspora here in Myanmar, he said his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.
Meanwhile, PM Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday. On his first bilateral visit to the Buddhist-majority nation, the PM urged all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity.
A security force operation in Rakhine has sparked a refugee influx in some neighbouring countries, mainly Bangladesh. India said on Tuesday that Rohingya Muslims are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported. The two leaders discussed the security situation along the borders of the two nations and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-related violence that have taken place in their respective nations.
The two leaders vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation. PM Modi emphasised that it was important to maintain stability along the long land and maritime borders of the two countries.
Myanmar condemned the recent barbaric terror attack during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders. The two leaders called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism.
"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a problem, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which respects the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar," said Modi in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks. Modi also said that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.
After the talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.
Suu Kyi took a strong stance on terror said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries." She also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.
Myanmar has come under international pressure after some 125,000 Rohingya Muslims fled from Rakhine, beginning with an August 25 attack by Rohingya insurgents on dozens of police posts and an Army base.
Modi also said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit India. "We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative," said Modi who reached Myanmar on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the south-eastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.
The PM also announced that India has decided to release 40 Myanmarese citizens, currently lodged in various jails in India. "We hope that they will soon be able to meet their families in Myanmar," he said.
(With agency inputs)
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 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi")
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