Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar’s junta chief and President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi on Monday, marking the start of Hlaing’s five‑day visit to India. The meeting, held at Hyderabad House, is being viewed as a significant diplomatic engagement as both nations attempt to reset ties after years of strained relations following Myanmar’s 2021 military takeover.
This visit is particularly notable because it is Hlaing’s first foreign trip since assuming office as president earlier this year. It comes at a time when Myanmar is seeking to break out of diplomatic isolation, while India aims to strengthen its strategic influence and counter China’s expanding footprint in the region — especially in sectors like rare‑earth minerals, where Myanmar is a key supplier.
During the visit, Hlaing also held talks with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on critical security challenges along the India–Myanmar border. Discussions covered insurgency, illegal immigration, and cross‑border trafficking, all of which have intensified due to instability inside Myanmar. Both sides emphasised the need for deeper cooperation to stabilise the frontier and curb militant activity.
A high‑level delegation accompanied Hlaing, including Cabinet ministers, senior officials and business leaders. The visit aims to revive economic and strategic cooperation, with India looking to secure reliable access to rare‑earth resources, expand connectivity projects, and re‑engage Myanmar under the broader Act East Policy.
Officials said the talks are expected to address trade, infrastructure, energy cooperation and regional security. India is also seeking to dilute China’s dominant influence in Myanmar, which has grown substantially in recent years through military, economic and mining partnerships.
The visit is seen as an opportunity for New Delhi to recalibrate ties with Naypyidaw and reinforce its long‑term strategic interests in Southeast Asia.