India to deliver Kilo class submarine to Myanmar

The decision comes in the backdrop of China's increasing efforts to expand its military influence in the region.  

India has announced that it will deliver a kilo class submarine to Myanmar Navy, which has been ramping up cooperation with the Indian Navy in the last few years

Kilo class refers to diesel-electric attack submarines that were designed and built in the erstwhile Soviet Union.

The decision comes in the backdrop of China's increasing efforts to expand its military influence in the region.

"Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

"We understand that this will be the first submarine of the Myanmar Navy. This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR 'Security and Growth for All in the Region', and also in line with our commitment to build capacities and self reliance in all our neighbouring countries," he added.

The announcement comes just days after Army Chief General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Myanmar on a two-day visit during which they held talks with the top military and political brass of the country including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.