India hosted Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing from June 1-3, signaling a strategic pivot to deepen trade and security ties, and to counter China's growing influence. The visit, Min Aung Hlaing's first abroad as president, focused on securing rare earth minerals crucial for India's strategic industries, enhancing bilateral trade, and ensuring Myanmar's territory is not used against India's security interests. This engagement aims to bolster India's regional standing and secure its northeastern border, though it has drawn criticism from pro-democracy groups for potentially legitimizing the military junta. Despite acknowledging concerns about democracy, India maintains that engagement is more productive than disengagement, particularly in preventing a complete vacuum that could be filled by other powers.