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Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India may help Delhi seal deals with the military-backed government. But it has angered pro-democracy forces in Myanmar.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi, India, Jun. 1, 2026.
Min Aung Hlaing’s decision to choose India as the destination of his first official foreign visit since becoming Myanmar’s president in April came as a surprise to many, who were expecting him to head to Beijing first. After all, China was one of the strongest supporters of the military junta, since it grabbed power via a coup in February 2021.
For New Delhi, however, the visit of the former junta chief, who only two months ago transitioned to becoming Myanmar’s president, signaled the success of its “pragmatic approach,” which has long dictated ties with Myanmar.
