Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has expressed deep disappointment over India's decision to host Myanmar's junta leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing. Aris called on the world's largest democracy to stand on the side of human rights, as Min Aung Hlaing concluded a five-day visit to India with state honours.
Min Aung Hlaing, who led a 2021 coup that overthrew Suu Kyi's elected government, assumed the civilian role of president earlier this year after a military-backed party won a parliamentary election widely denounced as a sham. Suu Kyi, 80, remains under house arrest after being sentenced to 33 years in prison, later reduced to 18 years, following trials criticised for lack of due process.
“I have to say I am very disappointed with this development,” Aris told The Independent. “India should not be legitimising the junta in any way. True stability in the region cannot be built on the suffering of the Burmese people or the validation of a lawless junta.”
India's foreign ministry said Suu Kyi's detention was raised during talks between Min Aung Hlaing and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, largely in the context of the peace process. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri described the discussions as “freewheeling”, focusing on the need for enduring peace and inclusion of all stakeholders.
The National Unity Government, formed by ousted lawmakers and anti-junta activists, said it had conveyed “serious concerns” about the visit in a letter to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar, urging India to align its engagement with democratic values and human rights. Aris, who last communicated with his mother three years ago, has launched a “proof of life” campaign ahead of her 81st birthday on 19 June, calling for concrete action from the international community.
