Description: General Min Aung Hliang, departed for India on a five – day official state visit where he would meet Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions were reportedly focused on trade, economic cooperation, as well as restoring previous intelligence sharing in countering rebel groups that operate alongside their shared ground and maritime border. Hlaing’s visit arrives after the military junta increased border operations last week in mineral – rich regions, where they clashed with the rebels in Karen state, that border Thailand, Chin state that borders India and Kachin state that borders China. Hlaing’s last two official state meetings were with Thai and Chinese state officials after having previously met with Russian officials.
Impact: Hlaing’s visit to India is likely an attempt by the leader of the military junta to further pronounce its political status, increase international exposure and seek alternative partners to China in battling with the numerous rebel groups across the country. The meeting likely highlights the junta’s strategy to obtain some international recognition as the ruling force in the country, headed by Hlaing, while also providing itself with alternative strategic partners that could provide the junta with weapons, intelligence and further logistical support in countering the rebel groups. India’s interests are highly likely connected to Myanmar’s natural resources as the country is aiming to gain uninterrupted access to Myanmar’s vast mineral resources.