Myanmar President’s India visit: Border security, economic ties high on agenda

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is all set to commence his four-day official visit to India on Saturday, May 30. His visit is expected to offer an opportunity for the leadership of both the countries to review progress in bilateral relations and discuss key several major issues, such as border security, connectivity, and economic ties.

The visit, scheduled from May 30 to June 2, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit to India as President. He is expected to be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Cabinet ministers, senior officials, and prominent business leaders.

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While addressing a weekly media briefing in the national capital on Friday, May 29, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed that Prime Minister Modi and the Myanmar President will hold talks on June 1 to further strengthen bilateral ties.

“The President of Myanmar is visiting India on an official visit. He will be arriving here on 30th May, and till 2nd of June, he will be here. He will be visiting Delhi. He will also go to Bodh Gaya and Mumbai for business meetings. He will be meeting the Prime Minister, where both leaders will discuss how to strengthen these ties further,” Jaiswal stated.

“Regarding border security, connectivity, and other issues, all matters that form part of the gamut of relations between Myanmar and India will come up for discussion. Our idea is to take our friendly, civilisational ties forward,” he added.

The MEA spokesperson emphasised that a significant “business component” has been woven into the itinerary to deeply entrenched economic ties between the neighbouring countries.

“There is also a business component of the visit, which is as to how the two countries can together strengthen their economic ties as well. This is an official visit and we look forward to welcoming the President of Myanmar,” the MEA spokesperson said.

On June 2, the Myanmar President is scheduled to visit Mumbai for business and industry interactions and site visits.

“Myanmar lies at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies. The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing to India is expected to further strengthen and deepen the multi-faceted relations between the two countries,” the MEA said in a statement.