India-Myanmar Official Visit Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing conducted his first official visit to India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation included Union Ministers for President's Office, Foreign Affairs, Finance & Revenue, Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation, and Industry & MSME Business Development, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar and a business delegation spanning agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, banking, construction, IT, communications, trading, and logistics sectors.
During talks held on June 1, 2026, both leaders reviewed bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi emphasized Myanmar's strategic importance at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in trade and economic ties, defence and security, border management, development assistance, and cultural exchanges.
Key Economic and Development Agreements
India announced the enhancement of Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students from 36 to 100 annually starting from 2026. Both sides agreed to facilitate enhanced bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, noting the steady growth in transaction volumes since its operationalization in May 2024. The leaders expressed support for closer trade and investment cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining sectors in accordance with respective national laws and regulations.
Connectivity projects received significant attention, with both sides emphasizing the importance of completing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway to foster economic linkages and shared prosperity in the region. The Myanmar President toured the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) complex in Greater Noida to observe advanced R&D work in clean energy innovation, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and grid resilience.
Security and Regional Stability
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's support for Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides underscored the importance of preventing the misuse of sovereign territory for activities inimical to their security interests, with Myanmar providing assurance that its territory would not be used against India's security interests. India committed to deepening security cooperation as a steadfast partner and supported Myanmar-led efforts toward achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation, and socio-economic development.
The visit included spiritual engagements with the President visiting Bodh Gaya on May 30, 2026, where he offered prayers at Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Meditation Centre, and Sujata Temple, highlighting the enduring spiritual and Buddhist ties between the two nations. The President also delivered a keynote speech at the India-Myanmar Business Conclave jointly organized by UMFCCI and CII in New Delhi on May 31, 2026.