Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing undertook a five-day state visit to India, marking his first official visit since the 2021 military coup. High-level engagements with the Prime Minister of India and the National Security Advisor focused on border security, strategic cooperation, and regional stability, reaffirming mutual commitments to safeguarding shared interests.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Security Cooperation:
- Myanmar assured that its territory would not be used by insurgent groups such as NSCN-K and ULFA.
- Past coordinated actions include Operation Sunrise and Operation Hot Pursuit
Trade & Economic Integration:
- Expansion of bilateral trade via the Rupee–Kyat settlement mechanism (operational since 2024)
- Increased cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining sectors
Connectivity Projects:
- Commitment to fast-track the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- Progress on India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
Strategic Significance:
- Reinforcement of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies
People-to-People Ties:
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships under Mekong Ganga increased from 36 to 100
Critical Minerals Cooperation:
- Agreement to strengthen coordination in critical minerals and rare earths
India–Myanmar Relations
Commercial & Economic Ties
- Myanmar is India’s 4th largest trading partner (trade ~USD 2.1 billion in FY25)
- India exports: pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, cotton, cereals, electrical equipment
- Indian medicines hold ~60% of Myanmar’s pharma market
- Myanmar exports: pulses, agricultural produce, wood products
Financial Integration
- Myanmar banks operate Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA)
- Rupee–Kyat mechanism enables direct bilateral trade settlement
Development & Connectivity
- India involved in: Sittwe Port management, Kaladan Project, IMT Trilateral Highway construction
- Support through: Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP)
Humanitarian Assistance
- India acted as first responder via: Operation Sadbhav and Operation Brahma
Cultural & Diaspora Links
- Shared Buddhist heritage (e.g., restoration of Ananda Pagoda)
- Indian diaspora (1.5–2.5 million) strengthens trade and cultural exchanges
Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India
Geopolitical Gateway:
- India’s only ASEAN neighbour with both land (1,643 km) and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal
Northeast Security:
- Cooperation needed to tackle insurgency and cross-border threats
- Risks include narcotics (Golden Triangle), arms smuggling, illegal migration
Countering China:
- China’s projects like China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and Kyaukpyu Port raise strategic concerns
- Access to rare earth elements in Kachin state is crucial for India
Maritime Domain Awareness:
- Coco Islands lie near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making monitoring critical
Gateway to Southeast Asia:
- Myanmar is essential for India’s physical connectivity and economic integration with Southeast Asia