Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, largely isolated internationally since the 2021 coup, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday. The meeting came as the country reels from a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed over 3,100 people and intensified the nation’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
While Myanmar grapples with civil war and earthquake devastation, the United Nations accused the junta of blocking aid to areas opposing its rule, worsening conditions for survivors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged that this tragedy be turned into an opportunity for peace, especially with the monsoon season approaching.
Modi called for Myanmar’s ceasefire to be made permanent and stressed the need for inclusive and credible elections. India also pushed for a quicker return to democracy, highlighting a regional push for stability.
Despite declaring a temporary ceasefire until April 22, the junta faces allegations of continued attacks, with the UN investigating 53 incidents since the truce, including 16 post-April 2.
Junta officials have yet to respond publicly, but international aid, including from the U.S., has begun flowing in. The U.S. State Department announced an additional $7 million in earthquake relief, bringing its total aid to $9 million.
The earthquake has affected millions across Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw, with growing fears of cholera and disease outbreaks among displaced survivors.
In addition to Modi and Shinawatra, Min Aung Hlaing also held talks with Nepal’s Prime Minister and discussed disaster prevention and transnational crime with Thai officials. Thailand and Malaysia are expected to send their foreign ministers to Myanmar for further discussions.
The junta has previously pushed for elections by December, but critics argue this is an attempt to maintain power through military-aligned proxies.
Analysts say the disaster has created a diplomatic opening, especially for India, which under Prime Minister Modi, is positioning itself as a key humanitarian responder in the region.