Gaya/Bihar, May 30: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Gaya, Bihar, on Saturday to begin his five-day official visit to India, marking his first trip since assuming office in April. He offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, underscoring the deep spiritual and civilisational ties between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the President on social media, highlighting the visit as a reflection of the strong historical and people-to-people connections binding India and Myanmar. He was received at the airport by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.). Later in the day, the President is scheduled to visit the Mahabodhi Ekta Dhamma Monastery.

During the visit, U Min Aung Hlaing will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1, focusing on strengthening cooperation under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and ‘MAHASAGAR’ policies. He will also participate in a business forum alongside a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

On June 2, the Myanmar President will travel to Mumbai for industry interactions and site visits aimed at enhancing economic collaboration. The MEA noted that the visit is expected to deepen multi-faceted relations, spanning spiritual, cultural, and economic dimensions.

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U Min Aung Hlaing was elected Myanmar’s President on April 3, stepping down as Commander-in-Chief after leading the country since the 2021 military coup. His India visit follows Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh’s trip to Myanmar in April, where he conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s felicitations on Hlaing’s assumption of office.

The visit is seen as a significant step in advancing bilateral ties, with India reaffirming its commitment to supporting Myanmar’s development and regional integration.