New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi on Saturday and expressed appreciation for his commitment to strengthening ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar said he welcomed the Myanmar leader’s positive outlook on expanding bilateral cooperation and looked forward to his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at deepening collaboration between the two nations.

In a message shared on social media, the External Affairs Minister noted that India and Myanmar share a long-standing partnership and reiterated India's interest in advancing cooperation for mutual peace, development and prosperity.

President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in the national capital after concluding a visit to Bodh Gaya. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh received him at the airport.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit provides an opportunity for both countries to review existing cooperation and explore new avenues for engagement across various sectors.

Earlier in the day, the Myanmar President visited the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, where he offered prayers. The visit highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual connections between India and Myanmar, rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit reflected the enduring civilisational links between the people of the two countries and underscored the importance of Buddhist traditions in fostering closer ties.

President Hlaing’s visit to India, scheduled from May 30 to June 2, is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It marks his first official visit to India in his capacity as President of Myanmar.

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He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior government officials and leading representatives from the business community.