India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held talks in New Delhi with Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting that has drawn criticism from opposition groups and human rights advocates.
The discussions took place at Hyderabad House during Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to India, where he also met senior officials and is expected to continue engagements with business leaders during his five-day stay.
Indian officials said the talks focused on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, border security, energy, and infrastructure connectivity. New Delhi also emphasized collaboration on issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and regional security.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri defended the engagement, saying India does not view its diplomatic contacts as taking sides in Myanmar’s internal political situation. He said India’s approach is based on the belief that sustained dialogue is more effective than isolation.
The visit has sparked criticism from Myanmar opposition groups and civil society representatives, who argue that engaging with the military leadership risks legitimising rule imposed after the 2021 coup that removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar has remained in conflict since the military takeover led by Min Aung Hlaing, with widespread armed resistance and a continuing civil war. Western countries have largely avoided high-level engagement with the junta, maintaining sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
However, India has maintained limited ties with Myanmar’s military government, citing strategic concerns. The two countries share a long border and cooperate on security operations targeting insurgent groups operating in the region.
Officials in New Delhi say bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $2 billion in the last fiscal year, and both sides are working to deepen cooperation in energy, technology, and cross-border infrastructure.
Min Aung Hlaing’s visit also included a stop in Bodh Gaya, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Bihar, before his political meetings in the capital.
The visit highlights the ongoing diplomatic balancing act faced by India as it navigates regional security interests while facing criticism over engagement with Myanmar’s military authorities.
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