Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing Visits India Amid Controversial Leadership

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, formerly the head of Myanmar’s military council, inspected officers at a parade to mark Myanmar’s 78th Armed Forces Day on March 27, 2023, in Naypyitaw. Now, as Myanmar’s president, he embarks on his first international trip, visiting India from Saturday to Wednesday. During this visit, Min Aung Hlaing will engage in discussions with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian business leaders. He is also scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

This trip marks Min Aung Hlaing’s inaugural international journey since assuming office in April, after elections criticized by Western governments and rights groups as fraudulent. In 2021, Min Aung Hlaing orchestrated a military coup, overthrowing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which triggered a severe civil war lasting five years without signs of resolution.

‘The military proceeded with elections, sidelining millions due to the ongoing war while barring Aung San Suu Kyi’s party from participation.’

India’s foreign ministry anticipates the visit to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between the two nations. Analysts initially speculated about Min Aung Hlaing’s potential visit to China, Myanmar’s significant supporter. However, the trip didn’t occur, possibly due to China prioritizing visits from prominent figures like President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Myanmar analyst Min Zaw Oo suggests that both Myanmar and China needed further preparations for the agenda.

Morgan Michaels, a Myanmar expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, views the Indian visit as expected. India has maintained relations with Myanmar since the coup, recognizing the enduring presence of the Tatmadaw. India’s minister of external affairs attended Min Aung Hlaing’s swearing-in ceremony, signaling the country’s inclination to advance relations with the new government.

India and Myanmar have several mutual issues to address, primarily security concerns along their shared 1,000-kilometer border. Myanmar worries about opposition to military rule, while India faces challenges with insurgent activity in its northeast. Additional matters for discussion include drug and arms smuggling and human trafficking. New Delhi is also eager to access Myanmar’s rare earth deposits, although China’s dominance in the regional supply chain poses challenges.

Myanmar’s military now seeks to consolidate its standing abroad, even as it’s less responsive to interviews from Western media. Richard Horsey from the International Crisis Group notes that Myanmar aims to normalize relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after facing suspension.

ASEAN’s stance may be weakening, as seen in a recent virtual meeting with Myanmar’s new foreign minister, Tin Maung Swe, advocated by Thailand. Some rights groups fear this could legitimize Myanmar’s military-controlled government, amid its ongoing violent conflict claiming thousands of lives.