Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing Visits India as First Official Presidential Trip

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, formerly the head of Myanmar’s military council, recently attended a parade to commemorate the nation’s 78th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw on March 27, 2023. In his first journey abroad as president, Min Aung Hlaing is visiting India. The Indian foreign ministry confirmed that the visit will span from Saturday to Wednesday.

During his stay, Min Aung Hlaing plans to hold discussions with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key figures in Indian business. Discussions with India’s President Droupadi Murmu are also on the agenda. This marks his initial international venture since assuming the presidency in April after elections criticized by Western governments and rights groups as illegitimate.

In 2021, Min Aung Hlaing, then chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This led to a brutal civil war persisting for five years. Despite ongoing conflict, the military-led election proceeded, excluding millions of voters while barring Aung San Suu Kyi’s party.

Before the visit, New Delhi expressed optimism that the trip would enhance bilateral relations. Analysts initially anticipated that Min Aung Hlaing’s first official trip would be to China; however, the focus on visits from global leaders like President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin in China might have changed course. Myanmar analyst Min Zaw Oo highlighted that further preparations on the agenda were necessary.

Morgan Michaels from the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted India’s steady relations with Myanmar, evidenced by its presence at Hlaing’s presidential swearing-in ceremony. He mentioned China’s recent engagement, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting Myanmar.

The agenda for India and Myanmar’s talks includes significant issues such as joint security concerns over their long border. Myanmar worries about opposition to military control, while India deals with northeastern insurgencies. Topics like drug and arms trafficking and human trafficking are also crucial. Additionally, New Delhi seeks access to Myanmar’s vast rare earth deposits, though China holds substantial control over this supply chain.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing inspecting officers in Naypyitaw in March 2023 during his military leadership.

This visit coincides with Myanmar’s military offensive operations after consecutive defeats by opposition forces over two years. Analysts observe improved military strategies and drone technology, partly sourced from Russia and China. Morgan Michaels claims the military is gaining battlefield dominance, altering the conflict’s dynamic as opposition forces face severe setbacks.

The regime aims to strengthen international standing but remains less open to Western media. According to Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group, Myanmar is keen on normalizing relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and reclaiming its United Nations seat, still held by Aung San Suu Kyi’s appointed ambassador.

Recent developments, such as Thailand’s encouragement of a virtual ASEAN meeting with Myanmar’s new foreign minister Tin Maung Swe, raise concerns among rights groups. They fear such interactions, alongside this India visit, might legitimize Myanmar’s current military-led administration.