Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing began his five day visit to India on Saturday with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, highlighting the Buddhist and civilisational links between the two countries.
After offering prayers at one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, Aung Hlaing is scheduled to travel to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will focus on trade, connectivity, border security and defence cooperation.
Welcoming the Myanmar leader, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “A warm welcome to President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on his arrival in Bodh Gaya.”
“His visit reflects the strong spiritual, historical and people to people ties that bind our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation,” he added.
Aung Hlaing was received at the airport by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd).
First India Visit As President
The visit comes less than two months after Aung Hlaing became Myanmar’s president following parliamentary elections held in December and January.
He had effectively led Myanmar since the military seized power in February 2021, removing the elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh represented India at Aung Hlaing’s inauguration last month.
Myanmar shares a 1,640 kilometre border with India, including with the northeastern states of Manipur and Nagaland.
Talks With PM Modi On June 1
The Myanmar president will hold talks with Modi on June 1. “President U Min Aung Hlaing will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on further strengthening the historical and civilisational ties between the two countries. He will also participate in a business forum,” the MEA said.
Aung Hlaing is accompanied by cabinet ministers, senior officials and business leaders.
Border Security, Connectivity In Focus
Border management, connectivity projects and regional cooperation are expected to figure prominently in the discussions.
“Regarding border security, connectivity and other issues, all matters that form part of the gamut of relations between India and Myanmar will come up for discussion,” Jaiswal said.
“Our idea is to take our friendly, civilisational ties forward,” he added.
Jaiswal also described Myanmar as being at the “confluence” of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.
Defence, Trade Ties To Get Push
People familiar with the visit said expanding defence cooperation and trade will be among the key issues discussed by the two sides.
Aung Hlaing was originally scheduled to attend the International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1, but the event has been postponed.
He will travel to Mumbai on June 2 for meetings with business leaders and visits to industrial and commercial establishments.
The visit is expected to advance cooperation in security, trade and connectivity between the two neighbours.
