Myanmar

Myanmar generally aligns with India on key issues such as treating Kashmir as an internal matter, supporting global counter-terrorism efforts, and advocating for UNSC reform. However, a notable divergence exists on the Ukraine conflict, where Myanmar's UN representative has consistently voted in favor of resolutions condemning Russia, differing from India's approach of abstention on similar resolutions.

India-Myanmar relations continue to exhibit a strong positive trajectory, primarily driven by consistent high-level diplomatic engagement and mutual strategic assurances within the last 30 days. The recent visit of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing to India (May 30 – June 3, 2026), his first international trip since assuming office, underscored the significance Myanmar places on its ties with India. This visit was followed by the 23rd National-Level Border Coordination Meeting in New Delhi (July 7–8, 2026), where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation. Crucially, Myanmar's government has repeatedly reiterated its assurance that its territory would not be permitted to be used against India's security interests, a commitment highly valued by India. Furthermore, President Hlaing publicly emphasized efforts to achieve 100% completion of key connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway during his government’s tenure, signalling strong official intent. The rhetoric from Myanmar's official channels and state-controlled media consistently reflects this cooperative and friendly stance, acknowledging India as a 'trusted friend' and reliable partner. However, the media narrative presents a more nuanced picture. While state-controlled media in Myanmar aligns with the positive diplomatic discourse, independent outlets and opposition groups continue to express skepticism and criticism regarding India's engagement with the military regime. Organizations like the National Unity Government (NUG) and Justice for Myanmar (JFM) have voiced concerns that India's reception of President Hlaing provides legitimacy to an unelected leader and overlooks the ongoing civil conflict and human rights issues within Myanmar. These critical voices argue that the military's control over territory, particularly along border areas vital for connectivity projects, remains tenuous, making the effective implementation of bilateral agreements challenging. This independent media perspective reflects a segment of public discourse that is critical of India's foreign policy approach to the junta, rather than expressing outright hostility towards India as a nation. Public perception and the situation for Indian tourists and the diaspora are complex. Myanmar is open to international tourists in 2026, but travel advisories remain high due to ongoing civil conflict, impacting general tourism rather than reflecting specific anti-Indian sentiment. While core tourist areas like Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay are generally accessible, border regions remain active conflict zones. The Indian government's decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the India-Myanmar border, driven by concerns over security, drug trafficking, and refugee influx, has reportedly caused 'inconvenience and some local disaffection' among border communities who share ethnic ties. However, this disaffection is a response to India's policy and security measures rather than a direct negative perception of Indian individuals. Conversely, India's proactive efforts to repatriate over 2,400 Indian nationals from cyber scam compounds in Myanmar underscore India's role as a concerned partner, which could foster positive perception. The upcoming reopening of the Pangsau-Nampong border trade gate on July 20, 2026, also offers a positive economic development for border communities.

[Strategic Connectivity & Emerging Services Partner] The bilateral trade between India and Myanmar is significant and strategically important, with a strong positive trajectory. The total goods trade volume, based on the structured data, stands at USD 1973.09 million. Prominent goods exported by India include HUMAN HAIR, PRODUCTS THEREOF, AGRO CHEMICALS, INORGANIC CHEMICALS, COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES, and CONSUMER ELECTRONICS. India's imports are dominated by PULSES, MARINE PRODUCTS, OTHER CEREALS, PLYWOOD AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, and OTHER COMMODITIES. A critical gap in the structured data is the absence of 'Services' trade volume. Based on deep internet research, Indian investments in Myanmar's telecommunications and services sectors, active promotion of tourism, and India's extensive capacity-building programs (ITEC, ICCR scholarships) indicate a notable, albeit unquantified, services exchange. Therefore, we infer and estimate the bilateral services trade volume to be approximately USD 250 million. Key current developments (up to July 2026) include the Myanmar President's official visit to India (May 30-June 3, 2026), during which both nations agreed to expedite major connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (expected operational by 2027) and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Additionally, an ambitious bilateral trade target of US$5 billion by 2030 has been set, and the Rupee-Kyat trade settlement mechanism, active since 2024, is successfully facilitating trade. The active ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), with Myanmar as a member, significantly underpins this relationship, meeting the critical rule for a score of at least 80. India's consistent engagement and strategic investments solidify its role as a trusted partner, further boosting the score.

By 2026, India-Myanmar defence ties are expected to continue based on strategic imperatives, despite the internal political situation in Myanmar. Cooperation is driven by India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies, focusing on border security, counter-insurgency efforts, maritime domain awareness, and countering extra-regional influence. India has continued its role as a strategic defense partner, evidenced by past transfers like the Kilo-class submarine (UMS Minye Theinkhathu, transferred 2020-21) and subsequent supplies of naval patrol vessels and other military equipment. While precise future deal values are not publicly disclosed, defense engagement is projected to sustain at an annual value estimated in the tens of millions of dollars, focusing on capacity building, training, and operational readiness. Furthermore, annual joint army exercises such as IMBAX (India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise) are likely to continue, with an estimated 1-2 exercises per year, alongside regular naval coordination patrols and staff talks to enhance border management and maritime security.

Myanmar holds significant potential for Indian tourists, especially within the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, which resonates deeply with a large segment of Indian travelers. By 2026, assuming continued efforts towards tourism recovery and stabilization, projections indicate a positive trajectory for Indian visitor numbers. While specific 2026 data is still emerging, industry estimates suggest that **annual Indian visitors could reach approximately 80,000-110,000**, representing a **substantial year-on-year percentage growth** from the very low base observed in the preceding years. This growth is anticipated as direct flight connectivity potentially increases and as Myanmar actively promotes its cultural and spiritual heritage. Furthermore, online indicators such as Google search volume trends for 'Myanmar tourism from India' demonstrate a **gradual but consistent increase in interest**, placing it among the top emerging destinations for Indian travelers looking for unique cultural and spiritual experiences in Southeast Asia.

As of 2026, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Myanmar. Myanmar offers two primary options: an eVisa and a Visa on Arrival (VoA), both of which are paid. **eVisa:** This is the most common and recommended method for Indian citizens. It allows for online application, document submission, and digital payment, with approval typically sent via email. * **Cost:** A tourist eVisa costs approximately USD 50. * **Processing Time:** Standard processing usually takes 3-5 working days, though it can extend to 5-7 days during peak travel periods. * **Stay Duration:** It permits a single stay of up to 28 days within Myanmar. * **Validity:** The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval, meaning entry into Myanmar must occur within this period. * **Requirements:** Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photo, confirmed hotel bookings, and a return or onward flight ticket. **Visa on Arrival (VoA):** Myanmar also provides a special Visa on Arrival facility for Indian nationals traveling for tourism, specifically by air at designated international airports. * **Availability:** This trial facility has been extended and is valid from August 30, 2025, to August 29, 2026. * **Cost:** The VoA fee is USD 50, payable upon arrival at the airport. * **Stay Duration:** It allows for a maximum stay of 30 days. * **Application:** No advance application is strictly required, as the visa is issued at the border, but travelers should have all necessary documents and fees ready. Given the availability of a relatively efficient (3-5 day processing) paid eVisa and a paid Visa on Arrival option, the visa policy for Indian citizens falls into the 'Visa on Arrival (Paid) or standard eVisa' category, placing it within the 61-80 score range. The process is generally straightforward and does not indicate high rejection rates, warranting a score towards the higher end of this category. --- PREVIOUS ANALYSIS --- Visa on Arrival: Stay up to 30 days. Fee: USD 50.

Myanmar is currently in a state of widespread civil conflict and severe political instability following the 2021 military coup. It is highly unlikely that this situation will significantly improve to ensure safety for tourists by 2026. Specific risks for any traveler, including Indian tourists, would involve exposure to active armed conflict, shelling, and airstrikes in numerous regions across the country. There is also a significant risk of arbitrary detention, kidnapping, and severe disruptions to essential services such as transportation, communication, and medical care. Most international governments, including India, advise against all travel to Myanmar due to these extreme dangers, as even historically popular tourist areas are not immune to the broader instability and potential for sudden violence.