India and Burma have signed several new agreements to build stronger economic and defense ties, during a visit to India by Burma's reclusive military ruler.
Senior General Than Shwe, received a formal welcome Tuesday in New Delhi, where he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian officials.
The two countries signed five agreements following the talks, including a plan to jointly combat arms smuggling across their shared border. India also agreed to help Burma in a host of projects such as building roads, developing waterways, and a port.
Rights groups have criticized India for engaging with Burma, citing concerns about the Burmese government's continued repression of its political opponents. Pro-democracy activists have held demonstrations in New Delhi to protest against Than Shwe's five-day visit.
Aside from their shared border, Burma is of important strategic interest to India because of its large natural gas reserves.