Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity, border security, and defence.
Aung Hlaing is on a five-day visit to India, his first since becoming president after Myanmar’s parliamentary elections less than two months ago.
The elections in Myanmar were held in December and January after years of unrest following the 2021 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
During the visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President U Min Aung Hlaing at Hyderabad House, describing the meeting as a step toward strengthening friendship and cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was honoured that President U Min Aung Hlaing chose India for his first foreign visit as President, noting that he began his programme in Bodh Gaya with blessings from Lord Buddha.
During the talks, both leaders reviewed the full scope of India–Myanmar relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across sectors, including trade, rare earths, healthcare, connectivity, heritage restoration, and capacity building. They also agreed to deepen collaboration in maritime security, cyber security, and other areas of mutual interest.
Modi underlined Myanmar’s importance to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and Indo-Pacific policies, reaffirming the strategic significance of bilateral ties.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also held talks with the Myanmar leader on key aspects of bilateral relations.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders, Aung Hlaing began his visit in Bodh Gaya with a trip to the Mahabodhi Temple before arriving in Delhi, where he was received by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd). He is also scheduled to visit Mumbai for business-related engagements.