Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing on Monday held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, connectivity, security, technology and development sectors, while underscoring that peace and stability in Myanmar remain vital for regional security and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and explored opportunities to broaden engagement in both traditional and emerging sectors. “This morning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing held detailed talks covering the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including trade and economic ties, defence and security issues, border management, development assistance, cultural exchanges and the regional situation,” he added.
He noted that both countries expressed a strong desire to expand collaboration in several key areas. “Both sides expressed interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, development cooperation, health, education, energy, and advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and space,” he said.
Connectivity emerged as a major pillar of the discussions, with both leaders stressing its importance in promoting economic integration and strengthening people-to-people ties. The two sides agreed to accelerate work on flagship infrastructure projects linking India with Southeast Asia.
“Both sides also underlined the importance of connectivity for enhancing people-to-people contacts and agreed to work towards the early completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Kalewa-Yagyi segment of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway,” Misri said.
The talks reflected Myanmar’s strategic significance in India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. As India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and the only ASEAN nation sharing both a land and maritime boundary with India, Myanmar occupies a critical position in New Delhi’s regional outreach strategy. Officials noted that India’s exports to Myanmar currently exceed 600 million dollars, highlighting the scope for further economic engagement.
Security cooperation featured prominently during the discussions. Sharing a 1,643-kilometre border, the two countries reiterated their resolve to ensure that their territories are not used for activities harmful to each other’s security interests. The leaders reviewed cooperation on border management, counter-insurgency efforts, transnational crime, illegal trafficking and cyber-related threats. Misri said cyber security concerns and cyber scam networks were also discussed during the meeting.
India reiterated that stability in Myanmar is essential not only for bilateral security but also for regional peace and the effectiveness of ASEAN. During the discussions, New Delhi emphasized its support for a durable and inclusive political process in Myanmar.
The issue of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi also figured in the talks. According to Misri, India highlighted the importance of an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders while maintaining that its engagement with Myanmar should not be interpreted as interference in the country’s internal political arrangements. India also reaffirmed its longstanding support for democratic values and democratic processes.
Beyond traditional areas of cooperation, the two leaders discussed partnerships in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, space technology, energy, health and education. India highlighted its continued support for capacity-building initiatives and training programmes for Myanmar personnel under various international and United Nations-related frameworks. Cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth resources also received attention.
President Hlaing, who is on a five-day official visit to India from May 30 to June 3, was received by Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House before the delegation-level talks. Earlier during the visit, the Myanmar President travelled to Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where he offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
Hlaing’s arrival marks his first state visit to India in his current capacity and his first overseas visit since assuming office. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and senior officials.
During the meeting, President Hlaing extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Myanmar. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact and sustain high-level exchanges to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Myanmar remains central to India’s strategic vision for the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. Major connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway are expected to enhance trade, improve regional integration and unlock economic opportunities for India’s northeastern states while deepening links with ASEAN member countries.
President Hlaing also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and visited cultural landmarks in the national capital. He is scheduled to be travelling to Mumbai on Tuesday for a business forum with leading industrialists and business representatives from both countries.
The visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into India-Myanmar relations at a time when New Delhi is seeking to strengthen regional connectivity, bolster border security, expand economic partnerships and reinforce its engagement with Southeast Asia through closer cooperation with neighbouring countries.