NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing held wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on June 1, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, connectivity, security, development and cultural exchanges during the Myanmar leader’s first official visit to India.
President U Min Aung Hlaing is on a five-day official visit to India from May 30 to June 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by senior ministers, including those handling foreign affairs, finance, agriculture, industry and the President’s Office, along with a business delegation representing sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, banking, construction, information technology and logistics.
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According to a joint statement issued following the talks, the two leaders reviewed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and charted the future course of India-Myanmar relations. Prime Minister Modi hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary, while President Droupadi Murmu also received the Myanmar President. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval separately called on the visiting leader.
The visit commenced with President Min Aung Hlaing’s pilgrimage to the revered Buddhist sites of Bodh Gaya, including the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Meditation Centre and Sujata Temple, highlighting the enduring spiritual and cultural bonds between the two countries.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi described Myanmar as lying at the intersection of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies. Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in defence and security, border management, economic engagement, development assistance and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides also underscored the significance of improving regional connectivity and agreed on the need to expedite key infrastructure initiatives, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
In a boost to educational cooperation, India announced that the number of Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships available to Myanmar students would increase from 36 to 100 beginning in 2026.
The leaders agreed to enhance bilateral trade through mechanisms such as the Rupee-Kyat settlement system, noting the steady growth in transactions since its introduction in 2024. They also expressed support for greater investment and cooperation in sectors including agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining.
On security matters, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides stressed the importance of preventing the use of their territories for activities detrimental to each other’s security interests. President Min Aung Hlaing reiterated Myanmar’s assurance that its territory would not be used against India’s security interests.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed support for Myanmar-led efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development, while offering continued assistance based on mutual respect and longstanding friendship.
The official visit, the statement noted, reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and close partnership between India and Myanmar, with both countries agreeing to maintain close engagement at all levels. President Min Aung Hlaing also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient date.
