By India has reaffirmed its policy of maintaining engagement with Myanmar’s military-led government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi. The meeting, held during Hlaing’s five-day visit to India, comes at a time when Myanmar remains engulfed in political turmoil and armed conflict following the 2021 military takeover.
While several Western nations have distanced themselves from Myanmar’s ruling military leadership, New Delhi has chosen a different path. Indian officials believe sustained dialogue and cooperation serve regional stability better than isolation, especially given the two countries’ shared borders and strategic interests.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India’s approach toward Myanmar is driven by practical considerations rather than judgments on the country’s internal political developments. He stressed that continued engagement allows both sides to address common concerns and maintain channels of communication during a challenging period.
The discussions between Modi and Min Aung Hlaing reportedly covered a wide range of issues, including border security, defence cooperation, trade, technology partnerships, and regional connectivity projects. Both leaders are understood to have reviewed ongoing infrastructure initiatives and explored opportunities to deepen economic cooperation in sectors such as energy and critical minerals.
Myanmar remains an important neighbour for India, sharing a 1,643-kilometre land border and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Security cooperation between the two countries has grown over the years, particularly in tackling insurgent activities, cross-border crime, and illegal trafficking networks.
Another key issue discussed was cybercrime and human trafficking. Indian authorities highlighted recent efforts undertaken jointly by the two countries to rescue thousands of Indian citizens who had been trapped in online scam operations operating from parts of Southeast Asia. Officials said cooperation between security agencies has helped bring back more than 2,400 Indians over the last year and a half.
Min Aung Hlaing’s visit has also drawn criticism from pro-democracy groups and Myanmar’s opposition leaders, who argue that international engagement risks lending legitimacy to the military administration. Representatives of Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government had urged India to carefully consider the broader political implications of hosting the military leader.
However, Indian officials maintain that engagement remains the most effective way to safeguard regional interests and encourage stability in Myanmar. As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific region, New Delhi appears determined to balance its democratic values with strategic realities in its neighbourhood.
The visit is expected to continue with meetings involving business leaders and industry representatives, highlighting India’s interest in strengthening economic ties with its eastern neighbour despite ongoing political uncertainties.
