Myanmar’s new president, Min Aung Hlaing, is making his first international trip as president to India. This visit, lasting from Saturday to Wednesday, involves meetings with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian business leaders. He will also meet with India’s President Droupadi Murmu. The journey follows Aung Hlaing’s controversial election to the presidency in April, which has been criticized by Western countries and rights organizations.
In 2021, Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, instigating a civil war that remains ongoing. Despite the conflict, a military-led election continued, excluding millions and barring Suu Kyi’s party.
India’s foreign ministry anticipates that the visit will enhance bilateral relations. Surprisingly, Aung Hlaing’s first visit is not to China, a major supporter of Myanmar’s military. Analyst Min Zaw Oo suggests that more preparation is needed for a China visit, whereas Morgan Michaels points to India’s consistent relationship with Myanmar since the coup.
During the visit, Myanmar and India will address shared security concerns along their extensive border. Discussions are expected on issues like insurgency and smuggling, with India interested in Myanmar’s rare earth deposits, despite Chinese control over the supply chain.
The visit coincides with Myanmar’s military gaining ground in conflict areas due to enhanced tactics and drone technology, partially supplied by Russia and China. Myanmar’s military now appears to have the upper hand over opposition forces.
Internationally, Myanmar seeks to consolidate diplomatic relations, aiming to restore its standing with ASEAN and regain its UN seat. Recent interactions, including a virtual meeting with ASEAN initiated by Thailand, indicate a potential shift in Myanmar’s diplomatic position. Rights groups express concerns that this visit to India and other diplomatic engagements could lend legitimacy to Myanmar’s military-led government, ongoing despite its violent internal conflict.