Myanmar President's Visit to India

Recently, Myanmar's President, U Min Aung Hlaing, undertook a five-day state visit to India, marking his first official visit since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. During the visit, high-level discussions were held with the Prime Minister of India and the National Security Advisor (NSA). The deliberations primarily focused on border security, connectivity, trade, critical minerals, and regional stability, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to protecting their shared strategic interests.

Why is Myanmar Important for India?

Myanmar occupies a pivotal position in India's foreign policy architecture. It serves as a crucial link connecting India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. As India's only ASEAN neighbour sharing both land and maritime boundaries, Myanmar plays an indispensable role in ensuring the security and economic development of India's northeastern region.

The country also acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia, making it central to India's aspirations of deeper integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Furthermore, Myanmar's strategic location in the Bay of Bengal provides India with opportunities to enhance its maritime presence while countering the growing influence of China in the region.

Key Highlights of the Myanmar President's Visit

Strengthening Security Cooperation

Security cooperation emerged as one of the most significant outcomes of the visit. Myanmar assured India that its territory would not be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for anti-India insurgent groups, including the NSCN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang) and the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom), which have historically operated from camps along the India–Myanmar border.

The issue has long remained a source of concern for India, necessitating coordinated military actions such as Operation Hot Pursuit (2015) and Operation Sunrise (2019). The renewed commitment is expected to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve border management mechanisms.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

The two countries agreed to deepen economic engagement by promoting bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat Settlement Mechanism, which became operational in 2024. The mechanism facilitates direct trade settlements in local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on third-country currencies and lowering transaction costs.

Both sides also expressed interest in enhancing investments in sectors such as agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining, recognising the untapped economic potential in bilateral relations.

Reaffirming Connectivity Commitments

India and Myanmar reiterated their commitment to expediting the implementation of major connectivity projects that are critical to regional integration.

One such project is the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which seeks to connect Kolkata Port with Sittwe Port in Myanmar, followed by inland waterway and road connectivity to India's northeastern states.

The countries also pledged to accelerate work on the India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway, which aims to establish seamless road connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.

These projects are expected to boost trade, reduce transportation costs, and enhance people-to-people interactions.

Enhancing Cooperation in Critical Minerals

Recognising the strategic importance of critical minerals and rare earth elements, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in this domain. Myanmar possesses significant reserves of heavy rare earth elements, particularly in the Kachin region, which are essential for manufacturing semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced defence systems.

Collaboration in this sector can support India's efforts to build resilient supply chains and reduce import dependence.

Promoting People-to-People Ties

India announced an increase in Mekong-Ganga Cooperation ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students from 36 to 100. The move reflects India's emphasis on strengthening educational and cultural exchanges.

Such initiatives contribute to fostering goodwill and enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.

India–Myanmar Relations

Commercial and Economic Relations

Myanmar has emerged as India's fourth-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion during FY 2024–25.

India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, cereals, cotton, and electrical equipment to Myanmar. Indian pharmaceutical products account for nearly 60 percent of Myanmar's medicine market.

In return, Myanmar exports pulses, agricultural commodities, and wood products, thereby contributing to India's food security requirements.

Financial Integration

Financial cooperation has gained momentum with the establishment of Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) by Myanmar banks.

The Rupee-Kyat Settlement Mechanism facilitates trade transactions directly in Indian Rupees (INR) and Myanmar Kyat, thereby strengthening monetary cooperation and insulating bilateral trade from exchange-rate volatility.

Development and Connectivity Cooperation

India continues to support Myanmar through several developmental initiatives.

Apart from implementing the Kaladan Project and the IMT Trilateral Highway, India is involved in the management of Sittwe Port and undertakes projects under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP).

These initiatives contribute to improving infrastructure and promoting inclusive development in Myanmar's border regions.

Humanitarian Assistance

India has consistently demonstrated its role as a first responder during humanitarian crises in Myanmar.

Under Operation Sadbhav (2024) and Operation Brahma (2025), India extended disaster relief, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

Such efforts underscore India's commitment to being a responsible regional partner.

Cultural and Diaspora Linkages

India and Myanmar share deep civilizational and Buddhist ties. India's role in the restoration of the Ananda Pagoda at Bagan reflects its commitment to preserving this shared heritage.

Additionally, the presence of an estimated 1.5–2.5 million people of Indian origin in Myanmar serves as an important bridge connecting the two societies through trade, cultural exchanges, and social interactions.

Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India

Gateway to ASEAN

Myanmar is indispensable for India's Act East Policy because it provides the only feasible land route connecting India with Southeast Asia.

Without Myanmar's cooperation, India's ambition of deeper economic integration with ASEAN would face serious geographical constraints.

Ensuring Security in Northeast India

The 1,643-kilometre India–Myanmar border, spanning Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, presents complex security challenges.

Cross-border insurgency, narcotics trafficking originating from the Golden Triangle, illegal arms smuggling, and undocumented migration necessitate close coordination between Indian security agencies and Myanmar's military establishment.

Counterbalancing China's Influence

China's growing strategic footprint in Myanmar through initiatives such as the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the development of the Kyaukpyu Deep-Sea Port has heightened India's security concerns.

Engaging proactively with Myanmar enables India to safeguard its strategic interests and prevent potential maritime encirclement in the Indian Ocean Region.

Maritime Security Considerations

Myanmar's Coco Islands are located in close proximity to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Sustained diplomatic engagement is essential to ensure that these strategically located islands do not become sites of military activities by hostile external actors.

Challenges in India–Myanmar Relations

Balancing Democracy and Strategic Interests

India faces the challenge of reconciling its commitment to democratic values with its security imperatives.

While several Western countries have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military regime, India's geographical realities necessitate continued engagement with the authorities in Naypyidaw.

Border Management Issues

The suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which previously allowed tribal communities residing within 16 kilometres of the border to travel without visas, has generated concerns among local populations.

Many border communities perceive the boundary as an artificial division that disrupts traditional ethnic and cultural linkages.

Infrastructure Delays

Strategic projects such as the Kaladan Corridor have experienced considerable delays due to challenging terrain, security concerns, and the presence of Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), including the Arakan Army.

Such disruptions have escalated project costs and affected implementation timelines.

Refugee Influx

The political instability following Myanmar's 2021 military coup has resulted in an inflow of refugees into Indian states such as Mizoram and Manipur.

Managing humanitarian concerns while maintaining internal security remains a complex policy challenge.

International Criticism

India's engagement with Myanmar's military authorities has attracted criticism from sections of the international community, particularly regarding allegations of arms transfers to the junta.

This creates a delicate diplomatic situation for India, which seeks to maintain its image as the world's largest democracy while safeguarding its strategic interests.

Measures to Strengthen India–Myanmar Relations

India should adopt a multi-dimensional approach to enhance bilateral ties.

Efforts must be directed towards securing strategic infrastructure projects through improved stakeholder engagement and local consultations. The deployment of advanced technologies under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) should be expedited to strengthen border security.

Institutionalising regular NSA-level security dialogues would facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

Simultaneously, India should leverage its soft power resources, including Buddhist diplomacy, educational scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and digital partnerships, to build long-term goodwill and trust among the people of Myanmar.

Conclusion

India's engagement with Myanmar reflects a pragmatic blend of idealism and realism. While India remains committed to democratic principles and humanitarian values, its geographical proximity and strategic interests require sustained cooperation with Myanmar.