Published on May 30, 2026Last updated May 30, 2026
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India begins
Myanmar’s junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing is on a five-day visit to India – his first visit abroad since assuming the civilian role.
During his visit the former general will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and focus on strengthening ties between the neighboring countries.
“President U Min Aung Hlaing will discuss further strengthening of the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 1 June 2026,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Min Aung Hlaing began his visit to India by landing in Gaya city in the eastern state of Bihar to visit the Buddhist pilgrimage site Mahabodhi Temple. He is expected to reach Delhi in the evening.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Min Aung Hlaing in a post on Twitter.
Jaiswal said, “Warm welcome to Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing on his arrival in Bodh Gaya.”
“This visit reflects the strong spiritual, historical and people-to-people ties that link our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation,” he said.
India shares a 1,643-kilometre (1,020 mi) border with Myanmar and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
New Delhi has maintained ties with Myanmar’s military-backed administration despite Western sanctions imposed after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. Myanmar has been plunged into a nationwide armed conflict and humanitarian crisis since the coup.
Analysts told news agency Reuters that the visit of the Myanmar President is an opportunity for India to weaken China’s influence on the country and open up access to its vital rare earths and increase border security.