Myanmar resistance divided over New Delhi’s dynamic diplomacy as Min Aung Hlaing visits India

Mizzima

Myanmar’s pro-democracy forces and ethnic revolutionary organizations have expressed mixed reactions of fierce condemnation and pragmatic caution following military chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing’s high-profile state visit to India.

The trip, taking place from 30 May to 3 June at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, included key diplomatic engagements, a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya, and a formal meeting with the Indian Prime Minister on 1 June.

Mizzima interviewed the Chin National Front (CNF), the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), and advocacy movement “India for Myanmar” regarding their views on military leader Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India and the potential shifts that may arise from it.

Salai Do Khar, leader of the civil society group India for Myanmar, strongly denounced the trip, calling it an unacceptable act of formal recognition toward the coup regime. He warned that a weak reaction from the international community could embolden other nations to establish formal ties, which would severely damage the revolutionary movement.

“This is an act of recognizing the coup government led by Min Aung Hlaing, which is absolutely unacceptable,” Salai Do Khar, leader of India for Myanmar said.

To counter this trend, Salai Do Khar urged systematic, unified opposition across the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and individual federal units, while demanding a clear explanation from New Delhi.

Echoing the demand for public accountability, Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for the Chin National Front (CNF), emphasized that India’s diplomatic engagements must reflect the political will of the Myanmar people rather than validating the military regime.

“We want this meeting to be one that advocates for the political desires of us and the people, rather than one that recognizes the military as a legitimate government,” Salai Htet Ni said.

He noted that while New Delhi routinely engages the junta on border security and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, these meetings have historically failed to yield meaningful outcomes or improve regional stability.

In contrast, Steven, General Secretary of the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), offered a more pragmatic assessment of the geopolitical landscape. He suggested that India’s invitation is an act of self-interest driven by shifting global dynamics, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and evolving U.S. policies.

He also pointed out that India and China remain locked in a strategic tug-of-war over influence in Myanmar, forcing New Delhi to maintain ties with revolutionary groups while simultaneously hosting the military leadership. He advised the public to refrain from excessive protests, noting that Indian leaders are fully aware of the consequences of their actions and are intentionally balancing relationships with both opposing forces.