Myanmar’s President-turned-civilian leader Min Aung Hlaing visited India on Monday for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on trade, security, and regional stability during his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency.
India hosted Min Aung Hlaing with a red-carpet welcome in New Delhi, where he met Modi at Hyderabad House. The two leaders greeted each other warmly before beginning discussions.
According to India’s foreign ministry, Modi said that “India remains Myanmar’s trusted neighbour, a reliable partner and steadfast first responder in times of crisis”.
Min Aung Hlaing, who was sworn in as Myanmar’s president in April after previously leading the country’s military government following the 2021 coup, held talks that also touched on regional peace efforts.
Modi also “reaffirmed India’s readiness to support peace and dialogue in Myanmar”, officials said.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed reporters after the meeting, noting that discussions covered border security and the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which directly affects India’s northeastern border regions.
“Stability and peace in Myanmar is obviously a major interest for India,” Misri said.
He added, “Not just for the security of the northeast and the safety and security of people living along the 1,643-kilometre-long border that we have with them, but also for our interests — such as connectivity to Southeast Asia,”
However, he emphasized that any resolution must come from within Myanmar itself.
“Eventually, the difficulties that face Myanmar will have to be sorted out by the people of Myanmar talking amongst themselves,” he said.
“This will have to be a Myanmar-led solution and a Myanmar-owned solution.”
India reiterated that its engagement is focused on cooperation rather than internal political positions.
“Our engagement with Myanmar is not intended to be a commentary on the internal political arrangements in that country,” he said.
Officials also highlighted growing concerns over cybercrime networks operating from Myanmar. India reported that it has repatriated more than 2,400 citizens from scam centres over the past year, while around 150 remain stranded.
Misri warned against disengagement in the region, saying dialogue is essential for stability and regional security, noting that vacuum situations could be exploited by other actors.
Min Aung Hlaing began his visit in Bihar, where he visited the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya, and is expected to meet business leaders and travel to Mumbai during his five-day stay.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reportedly crossed $2 billion in the 2025–26 period.
