NSA Ajit Doval met Myanmar’s President U Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi on Sunday, 31 May 2026, ahead of the latter’s scheduled talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

The discussions centred on border security, connectivity, defence cooperation, and trade, underscoring the strategic importance of Myanmar’s relationship with India.

President U Min Aung Hlaing, who assumed office less than two months ago following Myanmar’s parliamentary elections in December and January, is on a five-day official visit to India. His trip began with a spiritual stop at Bodh Gaya, highlighting civilisational ties, before moving to New Delhi for high-level engagements. He was warmly received by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh upon arrival in the capital.

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had already met the visiting leader, appreciating his positive approach towards strengthening bilateral relations. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of trade, connectivity, and regional peace, and expressed optimism about the forthcoming meeting with Prime Minister Modi. These interactions reflect India’s intent to deepen cooperation under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.

The meeting with NSA Ajit Doval focused on pressing security challenges along the 1,640-kilometre-long India-Myanmar border, which touches several northeastern states including Nagaland and Manipur. 

These areas have long been affected by insurgency and militancy, making border management a critical issue. Both sides discussed intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism coordination, and measures to curb illegal immigration and cross-border trafficking.

Connectivity projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway were also reviewed, given their significance for regional integration and economic growth.

The timing of the visit is notable, as it comes amidst India’s broader regional outreach and concerns over China’s growing influence in Myanmar. Analysts suggest that India’s engagement with President Hlaing reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing civilisational ties with strategic imperatives.

The discussions are expected to build long-term trust and stability, while reinforcing India’s role as a key partner in Myanmar’s development.

President Hlaing’s delegation includes cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, underlining the economic dimension of the visit. On 2 June, he will travel to Mumbai for business and industry interactions, including site visits aimed at strengthening commercial ties. His participation in the International Big Cat Alliance Summit, originally scheduled for 1 June, has been deferred, allowing greater focus on bilateral matters.

The visit also follows Ajit Doval’s recent meeting with Myanmar’s National Security Adviser Tin Aung San in Moscow, where both sides reviewed cooperation in security and connectivity. Tin Aung San is expected to visit India again in July for the fifth BIMSTEC NSAs meeting, providing continuity to the strategic dialogue.

President Hlaing’s India trip, combining spiritual, diplomatic, and economic engagements, is seen as a significant step in advancing bilateral relations.

It highlights shared Buddhist heritage, strategic cooperation in defence and security, and opportunities for economic collaboration. The upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Modi is expected to provide momentum to these efforts, reinforcing India-Myanmar ties at a crucial juncture.

PTI