CNI News
June 6, 2026
President U Min Aung Hlaing stated during an interview with the Indian news outlet DD India that restoring normalcy to the border area between Myanmar and India is vital and is currently being prioritized.
He said, "We are putting our utmost efforts into reopening the route connecting Kalay and Tamu as quickly as possible. Once that is achieved, we will be able to open our border gate. From there, it will be possible to travel to Thailand by cutting through central Myanmar. Crucially, returning the Myanmar-India border region to a normal situation is more critical. I am prioritizing this task. I would also like to state that this is a project to which I attach immense importance."
U Nay Win Soe, the Ayeyarwady Region Director of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization, told CNI News that if conditions along the Myanmar-India border improve, bilateral cooperation and tourism promotion activities are poised to advance further.
He added that efforts must be directed primarily toward boosting exports over imports.
Armed members of the NSCN-K Naga group seen in 2018
Ayeyarwady Region Director U Nay Win Soe said, "Currently, we have to place our focus heavily on imports. If stability returns to the border areas, bilateral trade matters will become much smoother than they are now. Furthermore, we have already held two rounds of discussions regarding cooperation for tourism development between Myanmar and India. Only the signing of the MOU remains. Once the border region becomes more stable, it will yield even greater benefits. Given our country's current situation, our objective regarding the trade balance is solely to maximize the exportation of our goods. We are currently striving to ensure exports outweigh imports. Right now, import and export activities between India and Myanmar are operating normally. If border affairs improve further, bilateral cooperation projects and tourism promotion activities will certainly see greater progress."
In addition, President U Min Aung Hlaing mentioned that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project has been temporarily halted due to difficulties in certain areas regarding security conditions, and efforts are currently underway to improve security. He explained that instability arose in those areas following the 2021 political developments in Myanmar, and the military is currently clearing those regions.
India's northeastern states bordering Myanmar
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Modi, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026.
This trip marks U Min Aung Hlaing's first foreign visit during his tenure as President, during which economic, political, and other bilateral matters were reportedly discussed.
Economic and banking analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News that India will inevitably develop transport routes through Myanmar to fulfill its ASEAN and strategic goals, and therefore, must maintain a smooth policy relationship with Myanmar.
He stated, "India has its 'Look East' policy, and it will definitely implement it. For the sake of ASEAN, Myanmar, and its own strategic interests, India must build this route through Myanmar. That is why these highway infrastructure projects have entered the picture. If India wants to carry this out, it must stay on good terms with Myanmar regarding policies. Therefore, India's invitation to the Myanmar President for talks certainly strengthens the government's standing in terms of official recognition. Whether from the perspective of legitimacy, trade, investment, or security, the construction of this route with India is bound to happen."
Members of the Manipur Meitei rebel group seen
The President also stated that political or ethnic-based demands must be negotiated and resolved through a proper democratic system.
He noted that moving forward in such a manner would significantly reduce armed insurgencies and place heavy constraints on drug production.
Military and political analysts point out that just as India is important to Myanmar, Myanmar is also a crucial neighboring country for India, as there are mutually beneficial sectors in bilateral trade.
President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that India currently ranks as the 11th largest investor in Myanmar, with 39 investment projects totaling US$ 782.385 million.
In addition, India is implementing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the development of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
During his opening speech at the Myanmar-India Business Forum held in Mumbai, India, on June 3, President U Min Aung Hlaing mentioned that if Myanmar, with its emerging political stability, cooperates with India, it will open up many opportunities for India.
