Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on May 28, 2026, for a five-day visit that includes a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to official sources. The visit, which runs through June 1, marks the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the visit, stating it aims to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. However, human rights groups have criticized the engagement, arguing it legitimizes a regime that has faced international condemnation for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and alleged atrocities against minorities, including the Rohingya.
Analysts note that India's approach reflects its strategic interests in Myanmar, including countering Chinese influence and securing its northeastern border. New Delhi has maintained ties with Myanmar's military rulers while also supporting ASEAN's efforts to restore democracy. The visit includes a stop at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting cultural links.
No official statement on specific agreements has been released. The visit comes amid ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where the junta faces armed resistance from ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces. India has not publicly condemned the coup but has called for a return to civilian rule.
