Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has expressed deep disappointment over India hosting Myanmar's president, Min Aung Hlaing, for a five-day state visit. Aris, 49, called on the world's largest democracy to stand on the side of human rights rather than legitimising the junta.
Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 coup that overthrew Suu Kyi's 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 her 33-year prison sentence was reduced to 18 years under amnesty schemes.
Speaking to The Independent, Aris said: 'I have to say I am very disappointed with this development. India should not be legitimising the junta in any way.' He added that '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 stated that 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,' emphasising the need for inclusion and dialogue with all stakeholders.
Aris acknowledged that his mother's situation was discussed but stressed that 'the first step towards peace and reconciliation is the release of my mother.' He urged the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and press for concrete action, noting that Suu Kyi, who turns 81 this month, faces multiple health issues and has not been seen or heard from in years.
The National Unity Government, formed by ousted lawmakers and anti-junta activists, said they had conveyed 'serious concerns' about the visit to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar, warning against any engagement that risks normalising the military leadership. Aris recently launched a 'proof of life' campaign to pressure Myanmar's government into providing evidence that his mother is still alive.
