Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria 

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.

For Hlaing, the trip also carried diplomatic significance. It was his first overseas visit since assuming the presidency following Myanmar’s disputed electoral process of late 2025 and early 2026. While the Myanmar government regards the election as a step toward political normalization, several pro-democracy groups and opposition organizations continue to question its legitimacy and criticize foreign governments that engage with his administration.

During the visit, Hlaing met Indian President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He also addressed the India-Myanmar Business Conclave, jointly organized by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where participants discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment. His itinerary included visits to the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance in Noida and important Buddhist sites in Bodh Gaya, reflecting both economic and cultural dimensions of the relationship.

The most closely watched engagement was Hlaing’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders reviewed bilateral, regional, and global issues and reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade, security, development, border management, and cultural exchanges. Modi noted that Myanmar occupies an important place in India’s “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.

The discussions also focused on security concerns. Both countries emphasized the need to prevent their territories from being used for activities that could threaten each other’s security. Myanmar reportedly assured India that its territory would not be used by insurgent groups operating against Indian interests. India, meanwhile, highlighted concerns about instability in Myanmar’s border regions and its impact on cross-border migration and security in northeastern states.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Both sides agreed to promote bilateral trade, including through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism introduced in 2024. They also reaffirmed support for major connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. These projects are seen as important components of India’s efforts to strengthen links with Southeast Asia. However, both have experienced significant delays, largely because of security challenges and political instability within Myanmar.

Political developments inside Myanmar also remained part of the broader context. India reiterated its support for peace, stability, and a democratic political process in Myanmar. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi raised concerns regarding the country’s ongoing conflict and the detention of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has remained under detention since the military takeover of February 2021.

Myanmar continues to face a complex and prolonged internal conflict. Since 2021, fighting between the military and a range of ethnic armed organizations and resistance groups has intensified. A major offensive launched by anti-junta forces in late 2023 altered control over significant territories. The continuing conflict has contributed to displacement, economic disruption, humanitarian challenges, and growing food insecurity. International organizations, including the World Food Programme, have warned of worsening humanitarian conditions affecting millions of people.

The visit also drew criticism from several Myanmar opposition groups and civil society organizations. The Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF), a coalition comprising ethnic organizations, political parties, and civil society groups, argued that Hlaing lacks a democratic mandate and should not be recognized as Myanmar’s legitimate president. The group maintains that the country’s last widely recognized free election was held in November 2020, when Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy secured a decisive victory.

Similarly, Justice for Myanmar (JFM), an activist network opposed to military rule, criticized India for hosting Hlaing, arguing that such engagement risks conferring legitimacy on a government it regards as illegitimate. The National Unity Government (NUG), formed by elected lawmakers removed from office after the 2021 military takeover, also expressed dissatisfaction with the visit.

From India’s perspective, engagement with Myanmar presents a difficult diplomatic balancing act. Myanmar is a strategic neighbour whose cooperation is important for border security, regional connectivity, trade, and the stability of India’s northeastern states. At the same time, India faces pressure from democracy advocates and human rights groups to ensure that its engagement does not undermine support for democratic aspirations within Myanmar.

The visit highlighted these competing realities. While it may help advance practical cooperation between the two countries, it also underscored the continuing political divisions surrounding Myanmar’s future. Whether increased engagement can contribute to both regional stability and an inclusive political settlement in Myanmar remains an open question. For many observers, hope persists that diplomacy, dialogue, and sustained international engagement can eventually help reduce the suffering caused by one of Southeast Asia’s most enduring crises.