AGP Executive Report

Myanmar-India trade & connectivity: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s India visit focused on security assurances and restarting stalled cross-border projects, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kalay–Tamu corridor, with both sides also discussing critical minerals and rare earths. Border security & cyber scams: India and Myanmar pushed for enhanced cooperation against cross-border online scam networks, with claims of repatriations and tighter coordination. China-Myanmar diplomacy: China’s Wang Yi met Myanmar’s foreign minister, pledging support for high-level exchanges, development, and joint action against cross-border telecom fraud and online gambling. Rohingya diplomacy with business angle: Turkey and Bangladesh held talks in Dhaka on a “safe, voluntary and dignified” Rohingya return to Myanmar, while also exploring free trade/preferential trade arrangements and investment in textiles, shipbuilding and defence. Humanitarian shock in Shan State: A major explosion in Namhkam (northern Shan) left over 1,000 displaced and strained local healthcare, with urgent shelter and medical needs. Policy watch: UK immigration rules tightened for universities recruiting international students, a reminder of how visa compliance and enrolment performance can quickly reshape cross-border education flows.

Myanmar-India-Thailand Connectivity: President Min Aung Hlaing reiterated that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway hinges on restoring normal border conditions, with security delays still affecting key sections and authorities working to reopen routes like Kalay–Tamu. China-Myanmar Talks: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Myanmar’s Tin Maung Swe in Beijing, pledging to deepen strategic cooperation, support development, and jointly curb cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud while urging border stability. Bangladesh-Türkiye Trade & Rohingya: Bangladesh and Türkiye agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and push trade toward a $2bn target, while Türkiye renewed calls for a safe, voluntary, dignified Rohingya return and pledged continued humanitarian support. Myanmar Security & Humanitarian Impact: A major explosion in northern Shan State’s Namhkam left over 1,000 residents homeless and highlighted urgent shelter and medical needs amid border-area constraints. Myanmar Cyber Ambitions: A report says Myanmar’s stalled “cyber” plans are increasingly turning toward Russia for revival, reflecting a shift in digital sovereignty partnerships. Regional Policy Watch: Thailand signaled progress toward OECD accession, aiming to align standards and boost investor confidence.

Myanmar Anti-Scam Push: Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs submitted an Anti-Online Scam Bill to parliament, proposing a central anti-scam committee, regional units and an Anti Scam Centre, plus bank/telecom information sharing, asset freezes and harsh penalties up to life imprisonment or death for major offences. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing urged border stakeholders to cooperate peacefully after a five-day visit to India, while Myanmar’s Vice President U Nyo Saw departed for Russia to attend SPIEF 2026. Cross-Border Trade: Myanmar praised ASEAN–EAEU cooperation as a growth catalyst, with plans for joint work in digital, energy, food security and high-tech sectors. Border Economy Pressure: In western Myanmar, Rohingya residents say land taken from displaced families is being used for a new market project, with reports of advance payments to reserve shop spaces. India Probe Spillover: India’s NIA received a 90-day extension to investigate a UAPA case involving alleged illegal entry via Mizoram and training linked to a Myanmar ethnic armed group. Financial Crime Crackdown: India’s ED searched nine premises in Mizoram over alleged Myanmar areca nut smuggling and money laundering tied to proceeds estimated above Rs 970 crore.

Anti-Scam Law: Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs submitted an Anti-Online Scam Bill to parliament, proposing a central anti-scam committee, regional units and an Anti-Scam Centre, plus bank/telecom information sharing, asset freezes and harsh penalties including life imprisonment and the death penalty for major offences. India-Myanmar Trade & Security: After a five-day India visit, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing urged border stakeholders to cooperate peacefully and said stalled connectivity projects need renewed push; Myanmar also signalled it will not allow anti-India activity from its territory. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: India’s Enforcement Directorate carried out raids in Champhai, Mizoram, targeting a network smuggling Myanmar-origin areca nuts using forged documents and e-way bills. Regional Economic Outreach: Myanmar’s planning minister praised ASEAN–EAEU cooperation at SPIEF 2026, highlighting plans for trade, investment and joint work in digital, energy, food security and high-tech. Finance Access: Myanma Economic Bank said pension card holders can withdraw cash from its branches without service charges via a centralised e-Pension system. Diplomatic Friction: Myanmar’s foreign ministry urged Timor-Leste to avoid statements that could harm Myanmar’s image, citing ASEAN non-interference principles.

Myanmar Finance: Myanma Economic Bank says pension card holders can withdraw cash from its 190 branches without service charges, as all branches are now linked to a centralised e-Pension system. Myanmar Trade & Compliance: India’s Enforcement Directorate raided nine sites in Mizoram tied to a cross-border smuggling network moving Myanmar-origin dry areca nuts, using forged documents and e-way bills to route contraband through warehouses. Myanmar Diplomacy & Connectivity: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing wrapped up a five-day state visit to India, with talks focused on security, trade, rare earths, healthcare and connectivity—key for managing spillovers along the shared border. Regional Business Climate: The ILO warns ASEAN still has major gaps in maternity protection, especially for women in informal work and migrant workers. US Trade Policy Impact: The US Trade Representative proposed additional 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 partners over forced-labour concerns, with Myanmar-linked rice cited among high-risk goods. Energy & Environment: A northern river protection network urged Thailand’s PM and China’s ambassador to act on toxic cross-border river pollution blamed on mining activities in Myanmar and Laos.

India-Myanmar trade & finance: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing met RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in New Delhi, pushing faster banking cooperation and direct Rupee–Kyat payments to deepen trade. Connectivity & ports: In Mumbai, he visited JNPA and reviewed the Vadhvan Port project, signaling stronger maritime links and future trade capacity. Bilateral agenda: Modi and Hlaing reaffirmed Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while agreeing to complete key connectivity projects and expand cooperation in defense, border management, agro-processing, energy and mining. Cross-border security works: India has started installing border fencing in eastern Arunachal Pradesh’s TCL districts to curb insurgent movement that disrupts local business and livelihoods. Regional anti-drug push: Vietnam, China, Laos and Myanmar agreed on a joint crackdown on cross-border drug crime, with tighter monitoring of chemical precursors along shared borders. US tariff shock: The Trump administration proposed new 10%+ tariffs on dozens of trading partners after a forced-labor probe, with Myanmar-linked goods cited—raising risks for regional supply chains. Corporate telecom move: Grameenphone appointed Andreas Høgberg as CSTO to drive strategy and transformation toward digital services. Energy investment: Sungrow announced commercial operation of a 110MW PV + 20MW/40MWh solar-storage project in Myanmar, aiming to improve power reliability.

India-Myanmar Trade Push: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s India visit is driving fresh economic talks, with both sides agreeing to deepen trade via the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism and expand cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining. Banking & Payments: The RBI meeting focused on faster, smoother payment systems and direct Rupee-kyat payments for trade. Connectivity Projects: Leaders reiterated the need to complete stalled regional links like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Security Assurance: Modi and Hlaing also stressed border security and pledged Myanmar territory won’t be used against India’s security interests. Port & Logistics: In Mumbai, Hlaing visited JNPA and reviewed India’s Vadhvan Port project, signaling stronger maritime cooperation. Energy Deal Spotlight: Sungrow announced commercial operation of a 110MW PV + 20MW/40MWh solar-storage project in Myanmar after rapid commissioning. Aviation Link: Saudia signed an agreement with Myanmar Airways International to expand Jeddah/Madinah–Yangon travel via regional hubs. Regional Crime Cooperation: A Mekong-focused seminar highlighted cross-border online fraud and cyber scam risks, calling for stronger regional coordination.

India-Myanmar Trade Push: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day visit to India is driving talks on boosting bilateral trade and investment, including agro-processing, energy, mining and pharmaceuticals, with both sides backing the rupee-kyat settlement mechanism and faster connectivity projects like the Kaladan transit plan and the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway. Border Security Assurances: In meetings with PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, Myanmar reiterated that its territory won’t be used against India’s security interests, while India stressed stability along the 1,643-km border and continued cooperation on defence and border management. Critical Minerals Focus: India and Myanmar also agreed to stay in close touch on critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to deepen cooperation in strategic supply chains. Myanmar Blast Toll: In Shan State, a major explosion at a site storing mining explosives killed at least 43–55 people and injured dozens, with rescue teams still assessing casualties and authorities pointing to unstable storage of gelignite. Rohingya Aid Pressure: UNHCR warned that declining funding could worsen conditions for about 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh, as a $710.5m appeal remains only around 60% funded. Mekong Anti-Fake News Plan: Cambodia’s information minister proposed a Mekong information integrity network and a regional fact-checking and rapid-response mechanism to tackle cross-border misinformation.

India-Myanmar Trade Push: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s New Delhi visit with PM Narendra Modi focused on boosting bilateral trade via the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, plus cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining. Connectivity & Border Security: Both sides also pushed ahead on major infrastructure like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, while reaffirming border management and security coordination. Security Assurance to India: Aung Hlaing explicitly assured Modi that Myanmar territory will not be used against India’s security interests, amid discussions on the impact of Myanmar’s conflict. Public Health Deal: SK Bioscience won its first UNICEF flu vaccine contract, with shipments starting for the Southern Hemisphere and deliveries planned for the Northern Hemisphere from September, including doses for Myanmar. Border Trade Resumes: Myawaddy–Mae Sot Friendship Bridge No. 2 reopened on a limited trial basis, with some truck traffic resuming into Myanmar. Labour Rights Watch: A global labour report flagged worsening workers’ rights in multiple countries, with Myanmar listed among the worst.

India-Myanmar Bilateral Push: PM Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed stronger trade, connectivity and security ties in New Delhi, with both sides backing faster completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway despite security delays. Rupee-Kyat Trade Boost: They agreed to expand commerce via the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, citing steady growth since May 2024, and flagged cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining. Border Security Assurance: Modi raised concerns about armed groups near the India-Myanmar border; Hlaing assured Myanmar’s territory won’t be used against India’s security interests. Cyber Scam Crackdown: India said it has repatriated 2,411 Indians from Myanmar-based scam compounds over 18 months, with about 150 more still being sought. People-to-People Links: India will raise Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students from 36 to 100 from 2026. Energy Cooperation: Myanmar’s president also visited NTPC’s NETRA R&D centre, exploring renewable energy, storage and green hydrogen collaboration. Myanmar Blast Toll: In Shan State near the China border, a mining explosives storage blast killed at least 55 and injured over 100, with TNLA saying gelignite was involved.

Explosion Fallout: A blast at a building storing mining explosives in Kaungtup village, Namhkam Township (near the China border and under TNLA control) killed more than 45 people and injured around 70, with reports of 46 bodies recovered including six children; rescuers say more victims may be trapped as homes were heavily damaged. India-Myanmar Business Push: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing met India’s PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, with talks focused on trade, connectivity, border security and defence; the visit includes a high-level delegation with business leaders. Energy Cooperation: Myanmar’s president toured India’s NTPC NETRA facilities on renewables, energy storage and green hydrogen, signaling potential clean-energy collaboration. EV Market Signal: Myanmar’s urban drivers are increasingly turning to electric vehicles as fuel prices rise, according to the local auto industry association. Retail Pressure: Myanmar’s retail sector is under strain as fuel supplies tighten, raising costs and disrupting product availability. Education & Skills: The “Chinese Bridge” competition in Yangon highlights growing student interest in Chinese language skills.

Shan State Blast: A powerful explosion at a building storing mining explosives in Kaungtup village, Namhkam Township (near the China border) killed at least 45 people and injured about 70, with rescue teams still searching amid reports of heavy damage to nearby homes. Myanmar-India Trade Push: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s first overseas trip as head of state is underway in India, with talks expected to cover border security, connectivity and trade; he also joined a Myanmar-India Trade and Investment Conclave featuring business leaders. Retail Under Fuel Strain: Myanmar’s retail sector is feeling pressure as fuel supplies tighten, raising costs and complicating product availability for shops and consumers. Rohingya Aid Gap: Finland announced an additional €2m (about US$2.23m) for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh via UNHCR as funding cuts worsen camp conditions and leave more vulnerable people without adequate support. EV Replacement Plan: Myanmar’s Commerce Ministry outlined a vehicle replacement scheme that would allow eligible owners to trade in older cars for electric vehicles, with approvals and foreign-currency arrangements handled through designated committees. Border Trade Restart: The Myawady–Mae Sot No. 2 cargo bridge reopened for trade, but cargo volumes remain limited as both sides ramp back up.

Myanmar-India diplomacy: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India for a five-day visit, starting with prayers at Bodh Gaya, as India signals renewed engagement on border security, connectivity and trade ahead of talks with PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Regional business angle: India says the trip includes meetings with business representatives, with bilateral trade cited at $1.95bn (2025-26). Security-industrial links: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, India’s Defence Secretary said BrahMos missile deals are moving—Vietnam’s agreement is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages—highlighting defence export momentum that could interest regional partners. Geopolitics & resources: Commentary around the visit points to India seeking leverage in Myanmar’s rare earth and critical minerals supply chains while managing China’s influence. ASEAN track: ASEAN leaders are set to meet Russia’s Putin at a June summit, underscoring the bloc’s balancing act amid major-power tensions.

Myanmar–India diplomacy: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing has begun a five-day official visit to India, landing in Bodh Gaya and visiting the Mahabodhi Temple before talks in New Delhi with PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, with a clear business agenda alongside border security and connectivity; India says bilateral trade was about $1.95bn in 2025-26. EV policy: Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce announced a vehicle replacement scheme letting owners of old, unserviceable cars swap for imported electric vehicles, with eligibility tied to vehicle age and surrender paperwork and foreign currency handled via the Central Bank. Chin State reconstruction: Construction materials and consumer goods for rehabilitation reached Tonzang Township after government control was restored in parts of Chin State, with supplies including cement, roofing sheets and nails flown to Kalay then trucked onward. Banking cooperation: A Belarus central bank delegation met Myanmar’s central bank to expand cooperation in monetary policy and banking systems, including joint training and support for commercial banks. Regional security angle: India’s NSA Ajit Doval met Russia’s maritime defence leadership in Moscow, reviewing maritime connectivity and defence cooperation, while also meeting Myanmar’s national security adviser on security and connectivity.

Myanmar-India Diplomacy: President U Min Aung Hlaing is set to start a four-day official visit to India on May 30, with talks with PM Narendra Modi on June 1 covering border security, connectivity and economic ties, plus stops in Delhi, Bodh Gaya and Mumbai and a business component with Cabinet-level participation. EV Policy Update: Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce will allow owners of old, unserviceable vehicles to replace them with imported electric vehicles, with eligibility tied to vehicle age and surrender/deregistration steps and foreign currency handled via the central bank. Cross-Border Trade: The Myawady–Mae Sot No. 2 Friendship Bridge reopened for cargo trade on May 28 after closure since Aug 18, 2025, as border traders reported renewed movement. Regional Finance Cooperation: Myanmar and China signed an MoU for 2026 Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Special Fund projects, with Myanmar set to implement eight projects across agriculture, energy, environment, water resources, MSMEs and cultural cooperation. Fuel Pricing Pressure: Mon State fuel reference prices remain higher than other regions under the latest update, with residents questioning why the gap persists. ASEAN-Russia Track: ASEAN leaders plan a commemorative summit with Russian President Putin in June, with Myanmar among member states attending. Digital Fraud Fight: The Global Signal Exchange (GSE) took centre stage at an ASEAN fraud summit, aiming to help platforms and institutions share scam threat signals in real time to disrupt online fraud faster.

India-Myanmar Diplomacy: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing will make a five-day official visit to India from May 30 to June 3, meeting PM Narendra Modi and holding talks with a high-level delegation including business leaders, with stops in Bodh Gaya and Mumbai. China-Mekong Funding: Myanmar and China signed an MoU for 2026 Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Special Fund projects in Nay Pyi Taw, with eight initiatives planned across agriculture, energy, water resources, MSMEs and cultural cooperation. Fuel Costs in Mon State: Mon State’s new fuel reference prices remain higher than other regions, with 92 and 95 Ron gasoline and diesel all priced above Yangon and nearby areas, prompting local calls for lawmakers to question the gap. ASEAN-Russia Outreach: ASEAN leaders will hold a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June in Russia, as ASEAN continues engagement with Moscow alongside UN positions. Cross-border Trade: The Mae Sot–Myawaddy route reopened after more than 10 months, with trucks resuming operations and border commerce expected to recover. Digital Finance: Commercial Bank of Ceylon enabled PayPal-linked withdrawals via its ComBank Digital platform, highlighting growing regional demand for faster, regulated access to foreign earnings.