NEW DELHI: India on Monday accorded a warm welcome to Myanmar’s junta leader-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing, during his first overseas visit since assuming the civilian presidency in April.
The visit underscored New Delhi’s efforts to maintain engagement with its eastern neighbour despite the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where the two leaders held discussions focused on bilateral trade, border security, regional stability and connectivity projects. The meeting began with a ceremonial welcome and a handshake between the leaders.
According to Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Myanmar, describing India as a trusted neighbour, reliable partner and steadfast first responder during times of crisis. He also reiterated New Delhi’s readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and dialogue in Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing continues to wield power five years after seizing control through a military coup, having transitioned from military ruler to civilian president when he was sworn into office in April. His administration remains embroiled in a prolonged civil conflict that has destabilised large parts of the country.
Following the talks, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters that discussions had covered border management and the impact of Myanmar’s civil war on India’s northeastern region. He noted that peace and stability in Myanmar were of significant importance to India, not only for the security of communities living along the 1,643-kilometre border shared by the two countries but also for India’s broader strategic interests, including connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Misri emphasised, however, that any lasting resolution to Myanmar’s internal conflict must ultimately come from within the country. He said the challenges facing Myanmar would need to be resolved through dialogue among its own people, stressing that the solution must be both Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.
The Indian diplomat also highlighted the difficulties facing major infrastructure and connectivity projects due to the ongoing conflict. India has long supported initiatives aimed at linking its landlocked northeastern states to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar, as well as plans for a highway connecting India with Thailand. However, instability in conflict-affected regions has complicated implementation and delayed timelines.
Trade also featured prominently in the discussions. According to Indian officials, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $2 billion during the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting continued economic engagement despite political and security challenges.
Another key issue raised during the talks was cybercrime. Misri revealed that India had repatriated more than 2,400 of its citizens from cyber scam compounds operating in Myanmar over the past year. He added that approximately 150 Indians remain stranded in the country and efforts are ongoing to secure their return.
Addressing concerns over India’s engagement with Myanmar’s military-backed government, Misri said New Delhi’s interactions with Naypyidaw should not be viewed as an endorsement of the country’s internal political arrangements. He stressed that India believes sustained dialogue with neighbouring countries is essential and argued that disengagement could create a vacuum that other powers might seek to fill, potentially harming India’s interests. He further remarked that such external actors were not necessarily motivated by democratic principles, though he did not identify any country by name.
Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on Saturday and began his visit in the eastern state of Bihar, where he paid respects at the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya, believed by Buddhists to be the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
During the remainder of his five-day visit, the Myanmar president is expected to meet Indian business leaders and travel to the financial capital, Mumbai, as both sides seek to expand economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.