India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that India looks forward to welcoming Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and that all important issues related to bilateral relations will be discussed comprehensively during his proposed visit to India.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has arrived in India on a four-day official visit from May 30 to June 3. During the visit, he is scheduled to travel to Bodh Gaya, New Delhi and Mumbai and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with other senior leaders.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit aims to advance bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation, promote regional connectivity projects, and discuss issues related to border security and development cooperation. The visit comes as both India and Myanmar are focusing on regional stability, trade expansion and strengthening connectivity.
India and Myanmar share historical, cultural and geographical ties. Myanmar is an important partner in India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies. Cooperation between the two countries spans trade, energy, security, infrastructure development, education and cultural exchange.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions between President Hlaing and Prime Minister Modi would cover various aspects of bilateral cooperation. The two leaders are expected to deliberate on ways to further strengthen relations and make them more result-oriented.
President Hlaing’s itinerary includes visits to the Mahabodhi Temple and Sujata Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is a significant religious site for the global Buddhist community, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. According to experts, the visit is expected to strengthen cultural ties between India and Myanmar through their shared Buddhist heritage in addition to political and economic engagement.
Buddhism serves as an important cultural link between India and Myanmar, which both countries are using positively in their diplomatic partnership.
Strengthening economic relations is also a key objective of the visit. The high-level delegation accompanying President Hlaing includes cabinet ministers, senior government officials and representatives from industry. During the India-Myanmar Trade Forum scheduled for May 31, business communities from both countries are expected to discuss opportunities for cooperation in investment, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, logistics and the digital economy.
India views Myanmar as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, while Myanmar considers Indian investment and development cooperation important for its economic growth.
India and Myanmar share an approximately 1,600-kilometre border. Issues including border management, prevention of illegal activities, regional security and development of border areas are expected to feature in discussions between the two sides. Connectivity projects supported by India, including road, port and transport infrastructure initiatives, may also be discussed. These projects aim to improve trade and strategic connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
Separate meetings between President Hlaing and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu are scheduled in New Delhi. Talks with the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House are regarded as a key engagement during the visit. President Hlaing is also scheduled to visit “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” exhibition, which showcases India’s Buddhist heritage.
In the final phase of the visit, President Hlaing will travel to Mumbai, where he is scheduled to interact with industry representatives and participate in business meetings. A meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra has also been proposed.
