Myanmar’s president and former junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, wrapped up a five-day visit to India yesterday, his first trip abroad since becoming president two months ago.
The visit could presage a willingness by other Indo-Pacific leaders to accommodate the junta — an international pariah since the 2021 coup (and the resulting, ongoing civil war). Sham elections took place in Myanmar from December 2025 to January 2026. Those elected, overwhelmingly military loyalists, selected Min Aung Hlaing as president in April.
The trip shows just how highly India values stability in its ‘neighbourhood,’ risking an uncomfortable photo-op in exchange for bolstered security along its shared 1,643-kilometre border with Myanmar, better access to the country’s critical minerals, and more influence vis-à-vis China.
India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, appeared to distance New Delhi from the junta, telling reporters that the visit was “not intended to be a commentary on the internal political arrangements” in Myanmar.
A spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry said that "all issues that form part of the gamut of relations between Myanmar and India will come up for discussion."
