NEW DELHI: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited Bihar’s Bodh Gaya on Saturday on his first international visit since assuming office as President, with India describing the trip as a reflection of the deep civilisational, spiritual and strategic ties between the two neighbours.Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was received at the airport by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.). Soon after landing, he visited the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Welcoming the visit, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the trip underscored the historic links shared by the two countries.“A warm welcome to President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on his arrival in Bodh Gaya. He was received by Hon’ble Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) governor of Bihar at the airport,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.He added that the visit “reflects the strong spiritual, historical and people-to-people ties that bind our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation.”

PM meeting and business engagements planned

The visit, which runs from May 30 to June 2, will include bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on June 1, where the two sides are expected to discuss border security, connectivity, trade and broader regional cooperation.Speaking ahead of the visit, Jaiswal said all major aspects of India-Myanmar ties would be on the agenda.“Regarding border security, connectivity, and other issues, all matters that form part of the gamut of relations between Myanmar and India will come up for discussion. Our idea is to take our friendly, civilizational ties forward,” he said during a weekly media briefing on Friday.India has also incorporated a strong economic component into the visit, with Min Aung Hlaing scheduled to attend a dedicated business forum in New Delhi alongside senior ministers, officials and business leaders from Myanmar.The Myanmar President is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu during the trip.

Visit to conclude in Mumbai

After engagements in the capital, Min Aung Hlaing will travel to Mumbai on June 2 for meetings with industry leaders, business interactions and site visits focused on heavy industry and investment opportunities.New Delhi said the visit was expected to “further strengthen and deepen the multi-faceted relations between the two countries”.First overseas visit after transition to civilian presidencyThe visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first foreign trip since he was sworn in as Myanmar’s President in April after transitioning from military ruler to civilian head of state.The former army chief seized power in a military coup in 2021, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggering a prolonged civil conflict in Myanmar.After years of military-led rule, Min Aung Hlaing oversaw elections earlier this year that excluded Suu Kyi’s party and were held amid continuing unrest in large parts of the country controlled by rebel groups.The vote resulted in victory for candidates aligned with the military, paving the way for Min Aung Hlaing’s elevation to the presidency.Representatives from India, China, Thailand and several other countries attended his swearing-in ceremony earlier this year.