Myanmar junta chief holds trade and security talks with India’s Modi

India extended a red-carpet welcome to Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency, engaging in high-level talks focused on security and trade.

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India remains Myanmar’s trusted neighbour, a reliable partner and steadfast first responder in times of crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Hlaing in New Delhi, emphasizing India's commitment as a "trusted neighbor, a reliable partner and steadfast first responder in times of crisis." Modi also reaffirmed India's readiness to support peace and dialogue within Myanmar, a nation grappling with internal conflict following a military coup.

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Stability and peace in Myanmar is obviously a major interest for India.

Discussions between the two leaders delved into critical issues such as border security and the spillover effects of Myanmar's ongoing civil war on India's northeastern states. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that stability in Myanmar is a significant interest for India, not only for regional security but also for connectivity to Southeast Asia.

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Eventually, the difficulties that face Myanmar will have to be sorted out by the people of Myanmar talking amongst themselves.

Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reportedly surpassed $2 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The talks also addressed cybercrime, with India noting its efforts to repatriate over 2,400 Indians from cyber scam centers in Myanmar over the past year. Misri stressed that India's engagement is not a commentary on Myanmar's internal political arrangements but a principle of sustained dialogue, warning that disengagement could create a vacuum filled by actors with no interest in democracy.

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Our engagement with Myanmar is not intended to be a commentary on the internal political arrangements in that country.