India has said it remains deeply concerned about the situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar and the outflow of refugees from that region, reports UNB. India had earlier strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Myanmar security forces in Rakhine State. "The two countries have since affirmed their shared determination to combat terrorism and not allow its justification under any pretext," said the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement after Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali called on External Affairs Secretary Dr S Jaishankar at his office yesterday.

They discussed the situation in Rakhine. During the Indian Prime Minister's recent visit to Myanmar, he had expressed his concern at the casualties of security forces as well as other innocent lives, and urged a solution based on respect for peace, communal harmony, justice, dignity and democratic values.

It was agreed during the Prime Minister's visit that India would provide assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme in conjunction with the government of Myanmar," reads the statement.

"We would urge that the situation in Rakhine State be handled with restraint and maturity, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population alongside those of the security forces. It's imperative that violence is ended and normalcy in the State restored expeditiously," the statement added.