Indian Prime Minister Modi Meets Myanmar's Military Leader

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, in New Delhi, amid ongoing scrutiny from Myanmar opposition groups who condemned India for hosting the military leader. The government of India reiterated its stance that engagement is essential for future stability in Myanmar. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed reporters, stating that India’s policy is "not intended to be a commentary on the internal political arrangements" within Myanmar. He emphasised that connecting with Myanmar is viewed as the most constructive path forward.

Western nations have largely aimed to isolate the military regime that emerged after the 2021 coup, which ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. This coup led to severe crackdowns on dissent and a protracted civil conflict. Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India marks his first since being appointed president in April, a position he secured during an election deemed uncredible by many critics. His previous trip to India occurred in 2019 when he served as the commander of Myanmar’s armed forces.

During his visit, Min Aung Hlaing began in Bihar, where he visited the Buddhist site of Bodh Gaya, a location revered by followers of Buddhism. India’s relationship with Myanmar is strategically significant, with a shared border stretching 1,643 kilometres (1,020 miles) and maritime links in the Bay of Bengal. The two countries collaborate on border security measures and intelligence gathering to combat insurgent groups.

After the meeting, the two leaders did not make public statements, a deviation from the norm for bilateral discussions in New Delhi involving global leaders. Nonetheless, Misri noted that their discussions encompassed trade, defence, and regional security, with focus areas including enhanced economic cooperation and technological ties. Both parties expressed intent to bolster collaboration on trade and critical resources, alongside initiating major connectivity projects.

Min Aung Hlaing is expected to participate in meetings with business leaders throughout his five-day visit, which will include a stop in India’s financial centre, Mumbai. According to Indian government records, bilateral trade amounted to $1.95 billion during the fiscal year 2025-2026.

Discussions also covered cooperative efforts against cybercrime and human trafficking—serious issues affecting many Indians vulnerable to exploitation in the region. Misri revealed that India and Myanmar have collaborated to rescue over 2,400 Indian nationals in the past 18 months from similar predicaments.

Since the coup, several resistance factions have emerged, capturing significant territories across Myanmar. These groups, collectively known as the People’s Defence Force (PDF), operate under the National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration formed by ousted legislators. Zin Mar Aung, the foreign minister of the NUG, expressed her concerns in a letter to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar prior to Min Aung Hlaing's visit. She highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and cautioned India against actions that might normalise the military regime. "India has long championed democratic governance, the rule of law, and regional stability", she stated, urging a careful consideration of the implications of formal engagement with the military government.