Myanmar's military-backed president, Min Aung Hlaing, embarked on an official visit to India on Saturday, marking his first trip to the neighboring country since assuming office in April. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties through high-level meetings with Indian leaders.
First Visit as President
This is Min Aung Hlaing's first visit to India since being sworn in as president following an election widely criticized as a sham to maintain military control. His last visit was in 2019, when he served as military chief. India has maintained relations with Myanmar's military-backed administrations despite Western sanctions imposed after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, triggering a nationwide armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Itinerary and Meetings
State-run MRTV reported that Min Aung Hlaing departed from Naypyitaw on Saturday morning and landed at Gaya International Airport in Bihar, near the Buddhist pilgrimage site Bodh Gaya. He is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other officials to discuss economic, religious, cultural, and social cooperation. The president is accompanied by cabinet members and will also visit key infrastructure projects.
Strategic Importance
India shares a 1,643-kilometer border with Myanmar and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. The countries cooperate on border security and intelligence sharing against insurgent groups. Myanmar hosts thousands of refugees who fled conflict in Chin state and other areas.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue the visit legitimizes the military-backed government. Yadanar Maung of Justice For Myanmar stated: 'We condemn India's decision to host Min Aung Hlaing, who is a war criminal waging a campaign of terror against the Myanmar people.' She accused India of supporting the military through training programs and business ties, urging India to stop awarding false legitimacy and instead support Myanmar's pro-democracy movement.
