Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing embarked on diplomatic balancing act,visiting India,then China in quick succession. His India trip marked first international journey since taking office in April. Discussions there aimed at boosting cooperation in trade,energy,defense.
During visit,Myanmar and India agreed to revive two big transport plans: the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. These aim to boost maritime links,give landlocked Indian states access to Bay of Bengal. But both projects delayed by insurgencies,with rebels controlling large Myanmar areas.
Despite efforts to strengthen India ties,analysts doubt these moves will cut China's grip on Myanmar. Zhang Tian,associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University,said Min Aung Hlaing's India visit is more symbolic than practical,mainly to legitimize his presidency globally.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about deepening rare earths cooperation,but Myanmar's official statements didn't mention it. Raises questions about partnership depth and if it can really challenge China's deep-rooted presence in region…
