PM Modi Meets Myanmar Military Head In Bangkok, Quad Says ‘Working Together’ For Quake Relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok, as his country grapples with the aftermath of the March 28 earthquake that killed thousands.
The Prime Minister met Min on the sidelines of the Summit meeting of the leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Technical Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping, and extended his condolences over the loss of lives in the Myanmar earthquake.
They also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.
In an X post, PM Modi shared glimpses of his meeting with Hlaing, and wrote, “Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage of property in the wake of the recent earthquake.”
“India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time,” PM Modi mentioned.
“We also discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more,” he wrote.
Later, the Quad partners, including the governments of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, issued a joint statement on the Myanmar Earthquake Response.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025,” an official statement read.
“The significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure worsens an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar,” it mentioned.
“We welcome recent commitments to temporary, partial ceasefires and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden these measures, to provide a safe and conducive environment to facilitate timely delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Myanmar. We welcome the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ statements of 29 and 30 March, and the support provided by ASEAN and countries in the region to the communities affected,” the statement read.
“We, the Quad partners, have so far committed humanitarian assistance estimated at a combined value of over USD 20 million. Through our funding and bilateral efforts, we are delivering relief supplies and deploying emergency medical teams and supporting humanitarian partners working in Myanmar to provide care for those affected by the earthquake,” it added.
“We affirm the Quad’s commitment to working together in response to natural disasters and broader challenges to regional stability and security, as part of our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the release stated.
Over 3,000 people died in the Myanmar earthquake, while nearly 5,000 were injured, and over 370 remain missing nationwide.
Modi, who arrived in Bangkok on a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC summit, earlier received a Guard of Honour and also witnessed a mesmerising Ramakien — Thai Ramayana performance.
Later, he joined the BIMSTEC leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation.
Following his Thailand visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit to the island country since the election of its new president.
BIMSTEC leaders also observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the Myanmar earthquake.
