The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar recently announced that President Thein Sein will visit India from May 30 to June 3. This is his first visit since taking office as president. According to Reuters report on May 30, analysts believe that Myanmar has closer ties with China. However, by choosing to visit India for the first time, Thein Sein may be trying to balance relations between Myanmar and its two neighboring countries, China and India.
During the five-day visit, Htin Aung Lye will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected that discussions will take place on various areas such as economy and culture. Myanmar also announced that Htin Aung Lye will meet with representatives from the Indian business community, as well as plan to meet with Indian President Pranab Kumar Mukherjee.
April 10th, Min Aung Lay was sworn in as the President of Myanmar. Photo of the president.
Analysts say that Min Aung Le said to have closer relations with China. China has several investments in Myanmar. However, Min Aung Le chose India as the destination of his first visit. This move may be an attempt to improve regional relations and balance relations with both China and India.
Hossi mentioned that the Burmese military has recently increased its efforts to attack armed organizations in border areas. The attacks are mainly focused on Kachin State, which has rare earth deposits in the north, Chin State, which borders India, and Kayin State, which is an important trade route leading to Thailand. He speculated that Min Aung Le said likely sought help from India in order to counter the armed forces that control these regions.
The former Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Ghotam Mukhopadhyaya, said that this is the way Myanmar deals with China and India. It aims to establish closer cooperation with China, while also trying to use India to balance relations.
Mukhopadhyaya said, From an Indian perspective, the key is to determine what benefits this visit could bring, including rare earths, raw materials, and business opportunities. This is exactly what the Burmese military would like to see, as they also hope to use this opportunity to strengthen the strength of their own enterprises.
Reuters reported that officials from the Burmese presidential office refused to comment on Min Aung Lees visit. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randeep Jaiswal said on the 29th, All issues related to Indias relations with Myanmar will be discussed.
On February 1, 2021, Myanmars political situation changed abruptly. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other officials were suddenly taken into custody by the military. The Burmese military announced the establishment of a National Council of Government, with state power being transferred to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Min Aung Hlaing.
In March of this year, Min Aung Lwin resigned from his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defense Forces. He was then elected as Vice President by a group of elected members of the National Assembly. Nandin Nyei was also elected as Vice President by a group of elected members of the Senate. Niu Thuo, on the other hand, was elected as Vice President by a group of military representatives from both the National Assembly and the Senate. According to the electoral process, a presidential election committee composed of members of the Federal Parliament will vote among the three vice-presidents to select a president.
On April 3rd, a vote was held for the presidential election of the Burmese Federal Parliament. Min Aung Hlaing was elected as the President of Myanmar, while Nyein Soe and Nandar Win served as Vice-Presidents.
