Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing Arrives in India for First International Trip Since Taking Office
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on Saturday for a five-day visit—his first international trip since being sworn in as president in April. The visit is scheduled to last from Saturday to Wednesday.
During the trip, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meet with Indian business leaders, and call on Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
According to the Indian foreign ministry, the visit is expected to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations.
Background
- Min Aung Hlaing, the former military chief, deposed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup, sparking a civil war.
- The military held elections in April, which were dismissed by Western governments and rights groups as a sham.
- Analysts note that India has maintained relations with Myanmar's military government since the coup.
Agenda
- Key topics include shared security concerns along the 1,000 km porous border, including insurgent groups in India's northeast and resistance to military rule in Myanmar.
- Drug and arms smuggling, as well as human trafficking, are expected to be discussed.
- India is interested in accessing Myanmar's rare earths deposits, though China controls much of the supply chain in the region.
Reactions
- Analysts say India's foreign minister attended Min Aung Hlaing's swearing-in ceremony, indicating a willingness to engage with the new regime.
- Some rights groups express concern that the visit may help legitimize the military-installed government.