India confirms it will continue to strengthen relations with Myanmar after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Min Aung Hlaing amid criticism from Western nations.
On 2 June 2026, Vikram Misri, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, stated that the Indian government is committed to maintaining relations and dialogue with Myanmar following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's government leader, in New Delhi last Monday. This is despite Myanmar still facing sanctions from several Western countries after the 2021 military coup.
Vikram said that during the discussions, the leaders of India and Myanmar talked about cooperation in trade, security, defense, border management, as well as expanding economic, technological, energy, and critical mineral partnerships. He emphasized that India's policy toward Myanmar has never aimed to comment on the country's internal political structure. He stated that India believes continuous engagement and dialogue is the most appropriate approach, asserting that ongoing talks are crucial since isolation does not yield better outcomes.
Although Prime Minister Modi and Min Aung Hlaing did not hold a joint press conference after their meeting, unlike typical bilateral encounters, the Indian government confirmed that cooperation with Myanmar remains a key part of New Delhi's security and development strategy in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
This visit marks the first time Min Aung Hlaing has traveled to India since becoming Myanmar's president in April, following an election criticized as an attempt by the military to maintain power. The meeting between the two leaders has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who view India's engagement with Myanmar's leader as potentially legitimizing the military government.