Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing on Monday, 1 June reiterated his country's assurance that its territory would not be permitted to be used against India's security interests, during a high-level bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The pledge, formalised in a joint statement released after the meeting, underscores the two neighbours' shared commitment to preventing the misuse of sovereign territory for activities inimical to either side's security.

Key Commitments from the Summit

The joint statement confirmed that both nations underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade and economic ties, defence and security, border management, development assistance, and cultural exchanges. Both sides noted ongoing discussions on various bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, and expressed intent to conclude them at the earliest.

Prime Minister Modi, for his part, reiterated India's support for Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He expressed backing for Myanmar-led efforts towards achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation, and socio-economic development — offering continued assistance based on mutual respect and friendly relations.

Strategic Framing: Neighbourhood First to MAHASAGAR

In a significant articulation of India's foreign policy posture, Prime Minister Modi stated that Myanmar sits at the confluence of three of India's defining strategic frameworks: the Neighbourhood First policy, the Act East policy, and the newly articulated MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative. This framing signals that New Delhi views Naypyidaw not merely as a border neighbour but as a pivotal node in its broader Indo-Pacific and regional connectivity strategy.

Connectivity Projects and Scholarships

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of completing two long-pending connectivity projects: the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Both initiatives have faced repeated delays, and Monday's summit renewed political commitment to their early completion.

On the people-to-people front, Prime Minister Modi announced that Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 starting 2026 — a nearly threefold expansion aimed at deepening educational and cultural linkages.

President Hlaing's First India Visit

This is President U Min Aung Hlaing's first visit to India since assuming office. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. Beyond New Delhi, the President is scheduled to travel to Mumbai for business interactions and site visits, indicating the visit carries a strong economic dimension alongside its diplomatic agenda.

President Hlaing expressed appreciation for India's constructive support and cooperation throughout the engagement. With bilateral agreements still under negotiation and connectivity projects awaiting completion, the outcomes of this visit are likely to set the diplomatic tempo between the two countries for the near term.