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OPINION JUNE 26, 2026 | The Indian Eye 10

President Hlaing’s Visit to India

and Strategic Diversification

Policy of Myanmar

President Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India is significant given that Myanmar’s civil war since

2021 has affected India’s border security and management

OM PRAKASH DAS Myanmar occupies a strategic position between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and the development of economic infrastructure gives Beijing
significant strategic leverage (IDSA photo)
he President of Myanmar,
Min Aung Hlaing, who as- nectivity projects, and broader secu- during peace and an inclusive politi- border security. In other words, Chi-
Tsumed office in April 2026, rity cooperation”. During engage- cal process involving all stakeholders nese investment in Myanmar offers
concluded his first foreign visit to In- ments with stakeholders in India’s in Myanmar, arguing that sustained an important lens for understanding
dia in early June 2026. Hlaing’s visit energy sector, the Myanmar Presi- dialogue rather than disengagement the long-term strategic competition
to India began with prayers at the dent explored cutting-edge net-zero offers the best prospect for progress. between China and India.
Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Bihar, technologies, including green hydro- Furthermore, President Hlaing, the China has been one of the few
on 30 May. He later travelled to New gen, solar power and carbon capture. former head of Myanmar’s military countries to endorse both the re-
Delhi for official talks with Prime President Hlaing also met President junta, assured India that Myanmar’s cent electoral process and Min Aung
Minister Narendra Modi before pro- Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during territory would not be permitted to be Hlaing’s presidency. This has led
ceeding to Mumbai, where he met which the two leaders engaged in used against India’s security interests. many observers to draw three con-
business leaders to explore invest- productive discussions to strengthen Myanmar occupies a strategic clusions. First, the current politi-
ment opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties. position between South Asia and cal-military order is likely to remain
bilateral trade relations. Min Aung Hlaing’s visit is signif- Southeast Asia, and the develop- the dominant force in Myanmar’s
Discussions with Prime Minister icant in several respects, particularly ment of economic infrastructure political landscape for the foresee-
Modi focused on trade, connectivity, because of the ongoing civil war in gives Beijing significant strategic able future. Second, the existing sit-
defence, healthcare, education and Myanmar since 2021, which has had leverage. This should be examined in uation on the ground suggests that
cooperation in advanced technol- important implications for India’s relation to India’s strategic interests, no opposition group is presently ca-
ogies such as artificial intelligence border security. Myanmar and India as China’s presence is increasing- pable of replacing the current order.
and space exploration. They also re- share a 1,643 km border. The Min- ly intertwined with India’s strategic Third, engagement with the existing
volved around “refugee flows from istry of External Affairs stated that objectives, including the Act East political structure is viewed as neces-
Myanmar to India, cybercrime, con- New Delhi continued to support en- Policy, Northeast connectivity and Continued on next page... >>

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