Indian Prime Minister Modi Meets Myanmar Military Government Leader in New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Met with Myanmar’s Military Leader Amid Criticism from Opposition Groups

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military government, in New Delhi on Monday. The visit has sparked criticism from opposition groups in India, who have expressed concerns that it may lend legitimacy to the military-backed government.

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on Saturday and met with Modi at the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s request. Misri stated that India’s policy is not intended to be a commentary on Myanmar’s internal political arrangements, but rather to engage with the country through sustained dialogue.

The visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first time in India since he was sworn in as president in April following an election that critics say was designed to cement his hold on power. The two countries have cooperated on border security and intelligence sharing to combat armed rebel groups, and bilateral trade between them stands at $1.95 billion.

During the meeting, Modi and Min Aung Hlaing discussed trade, defence, and security cooperation, as well as regional issues and expanding economic ties. They also agreed to deepen collaboration across sectors, including trade, energy, and critical minerals, and to accelerate major connectivity projects.

Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with business representatives during his five-day visit, which will include stops in the financial hub of Mumbai. India has worked together with Myanmar to rescue over 2,400 Indian nationals who were lured into scam centres in the region.

The opposition groups have expressed concern about the visit, citing the ongoing conflict and instability in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. Zin Mar Aung, the foreign minister of the National Unity Government, wrote a letter to India’s Minister of External Affairs expressing her concerns about the visit.

Source: Al Jazeera