NEW DELHI: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in neighboring India on Saturday for his first foreign trip since switching roles last month from military junta chief to civilian leader.
The 69-year-old general has rarely traveled abroad since coming to power in a 2021 coup, when the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
His assumption of the presidency in April followed elections in which major opposition parties were excluded or absent. The result has not been recognized internationally, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — of which Myanmar is a member — has distanced itself from the electoral process, saying it did not endorse or recognize it.
During his five-day trip, Min Aung Hlaing will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the visit is expected to “deepen the multifaceted relations between the two countries,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
India is Min Aung Hlaing’s first foreign destination in his new role as he seeks international legitimacy while facing an International Criminal Court prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity related to the Rohingya.
“There is a lack of normalcy and a lack of security there, and a lot of groups are opposed to the government. So, in that light, I think Myanmar would be happy to receive appreciation and understanding of India,” Rajiv Bhatia, New Delhi’s former envoy to Naypyitaw, told Arab News.
“There would be a serious attempt to see how the relationship can be upgraded by strengthening economic, cultural, political, and security ties.”
Myanmar’s stability matters for India, as they share over 1,600 km of border — parts of which are controlled by ethnic minorities opposed to Min Aung Hlaing’s regime and have for years been clashing with its forces.
“India is very keen to have a very well-regulated border,” Bhatia said.
“Instability in Myanmar creates a direct negative impact on the northeast of India in particular. It is not just the people’s pressure — there are 50,000 to 75,000 refugees who have come into Mizoram and Manipur — it is also a kind of growth in illegal activities, the smuggling of drugs and arms.”
Min Aung Hlaing started his visit with a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya in Bihar, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, believed to be the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
Accompanied by Cabinet members, senior officials and industry leaders, he is expected to take part in a business forum in New Delhi.
“Myanmar is not only India’s gateway to Southeast Asia but also possesses substantial rare earth elements, making it crucial for New Delhi to maintain its engagement and retain its traditional role in the Bay of Bengal,” said Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, foreign affairs editor at the Economic Times, who has long researched Myanmar.
“Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s three key foreign policy initiatives — Act East, Neighborhood First, and Indo-Pacific. India’s ties with Myanmar are therefore multilayered and strategic.”
