Myanmar President Begins Historic India Visit at Bodh Gaya, Heads to Delhi for High-Level Talks

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bihar's Bodh Gaya on Saturday, beginning a landmark five day official visit to India , his first since assuming the presidency in April 2026. The visit is aimed at strengthening trade, connectivity, border security, and defence cooperation between the two countries.

Arriving at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , the Myanmar President was received at Gaya Airport by Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), who accorded him a grand state welcome. Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also welcomed the visiting leader, who was accompanied by a high level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

The Myanmar leader began his visit by paying homage at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, offering prayers at the sacred Buddhist shrine and meditating beneath the revered Bodhi Tree , where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. During his stay, President Hlaing also visited the Sujata Temple , the Burmese Monastery , and the Mahabodhi Ekta Dhamma Monastery , highlighting the deep rooted Buddhist and cultural ties between India and Myanmar.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the visit, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that it reflects the strong spiritual, historical, and people to people connections between the two nations and underscores the depth of their ongoing cooperation.

After completing his engagements in Bodh Gaya, President Hlaing arrived in New Delhi , where he was received by Kirti Vardhan Singh , Minister of State for External Affairs. Notably, Singh had attended Hlaing's presidential inauguration in Naypyidaw in April, signalling continuity in India's diplomatic outreach to Myanmar.

On June 1 , President Hlaing will hold formal bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the full spectrum of India Myanmar relations. According to Randhir Jaiswal, discussions will focus on border security, connectivity, trade, and other bilateral issues , with the goal of advancing the two countries' longstanding partnership.

A significant business and economic component is also part of the visit. The Myanmar President is scheduled to travel to Mumbai on June 2 for interactions with industry leaders and business representatives, along with site visits.

The bilateral agenda is expected to be guided by India's 'Neighbourhood First' , 'Act East' , and 'MAHASAGAR' policies, with both nations looking to expand cooperation in maritime security, regional connectivity, and border trade .

The visit comes just two months after U Min Aung Hlaing's election as President of Myanmar following a military controlled transition. His decision to begin the tour in Bodh Gaya , regarded as the spiritual heart of Buddhism, is widely viewed as a symbolic gesture reflecting the centuries old Theravada Buddhist traditions that continue to serve as a civilizational bridge between India and Myanmar.