Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to visit India in first foreign trip since taking office
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File photo: Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Photograph: (AFP)
Bilateral trade reached about $2.1 billion in 2024-25, with India importing significant pulses from Myanmar. India is the 4th largest trading partner of the country.
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit India next month in what will be his first overseas trip since assuming the presidency in April, according to sources familiar with the arrangements.
The visit, expected in June, shows Delhi-Naypyidaw engagement, part of India's long-standing "Act East" policy. Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as President on 10 April, in which India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, signalling continued engagement.
During the visit, the Indian minister had called on President Min Aung Hlaing and handed over a letter of felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An MoU was also signed for an Indian-funded school project in Nay Pyi Taw.
Bilateral relations have strengthened in recent months. In early May, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi visited Myanmar, the first such trip by an Indian naval chief in several years. He held talks with Myanmar's military leadership on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal, joint exercises, border stability, and capacity building.
India has provided significant humanitarian support as well. Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025, New Delhi launched Operation Brahma, deploying aircraft, warships, and a field hospital team that treated thousands of patients.
The two countries share a 1,600-km border, making cooperation on security and counter-insurgency critical. Major connectivity projects remain central to the relationship. These include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State, operated by Indian Ports Global Limited, which aims to boost trade. Bilateral trade reached about $2.1 billion in 2024-25, with India importing significant pulses from Myanmar. India is the 4th largest trading partner of the country.
For Myanmar's top leader Min Aung Hlaing, the trip represents an important step in upping engagement with one of the largest economies in the world and a key geopolitical player. The precise dates and full agenda are yet to be officially confirmed by either side.
