India and Myanmar have agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the subject has been under discussion for some time and that both governments agreed to maintain close coordination and advance cooperation in these areas. The announcement formed a central element of a wider engagement that covered defence, security, trade and connectivity. On defence ties, India emphasised training, capacity building and institution building as core areas of engagement with Myanmar. A significant component of cooperation was described as training Myanmar personnel for United Nations peacekeeping operations, reflecting New Delhi's focus on building practical capabilities. Security cooperation was highlighted as important given the 1,643 km long border shared by the two countries. The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, development partnership and capacity building, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The MEA framed the discussions as anchored in longstanding historical, cultural and people to people ties and said both sides expressed a commitment to advancing the partnership for peace, progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's readiness to act as a trusted neighbour, reliable partner and first responder in times of crisis under its Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies. The MEA added that India stood ready to support efforts towards peace and dialogue in Myanmar, including sharing experiences in federal governance and economic development. During the visit President Hlaing extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Myanmar, and the Myanmar leader was on a four day visit to India from May 30 to June two at the invitation of the prime minister. The engagement is intended to sustain bilateral ties and deepen practical cooperation across strategic sectors.