Myanmar junta chief's close associate Aung Ko Win resurfaces on India trip

Aung Ko Win, a key figure within Myanmar's business elite and a close confidant of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, has resurfaced after a five-year period of relative obscurity. His reappearance was noted during a recent trip to India, where he accompanied the military leader.

Photographs show Aung Ko Win, the head of the influential KBZ Group, alongside Min Aung Hlaing during a meeting with the governor of Maharashtra State in Mumbai on June 2. This public display underscores his continued close relationship with the military leadership, despite efforts to maintain a lower profile.

The presence of Aung Ko Win, often referred to as the "man in the black hat," alongside the junta chief during an international visit brings his ties to the military back into the spotlight. His business group, KBZ, has long been associated with the military regime.