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Min Aung Hlaing’s rise in Myanmar matters to India—he is closer to New Delhi than Beijing

Min Aung Hlaing’s move for Myanmar’s presidential post aims for transition to civilian rule, giving the government some legitimacy, headed by a person who no longer dons a uniform.

Myanmar’s Junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on 30 March stepped down as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services and paved the way to be nominated as the President of Myanmar. The development marks a formal transition from his role as military chief, which he has been since 2011, to the head of state. 

In a vote held in Naypyitaw—a legislature dominated by military appointees and allies of the Junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party—he was selected as Vice President (a constitutional requirement to become the President). 

General Ye Win Oo has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. Widely regarded as a close and trusted loyalist of Hlaing, Ye Win served as the Chief of Military Security Affairs (Intelligence Chief) from 2020 to 2026, a highly influential role within the military establishment. He also commanded the Southwestern Regional Military Command (located in Pathein, Ayeyarawady Region). 

Ye Win’s rise to the top rank has been phenomenal. He has received multiple promotions in a very short time, which shows his closeness to Hlaing. In the process, Vice Senior-General Soe Win, the second-in-line after Hlaing, was overlooked, indicating that Hlaing was uncomfortable with the growing popularity of Soe Win, both among the masses and within the military ranks.

While this change may have gone relatively unnoticed in India, a few questions merit consideration. Will this transformation herald a much-awaited peace in Myanmar? Does this signify the end of the ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi and her democratic movement? How is it likely to impact Myanmar’s relations with China, Russia and other ASEAN nations? Does this new development alter India-Myanmar relations or affect the current situation in India’s Northeast? These are some questions that come to mind immediately.

Hlaing’s move for the presidential post aims for a transition to civilian rule, giving the government some legitimacy, headed by a person who no longer dons a uniform. This change may be seen as a mere cosmetic by many countries which have been opposed to the Junta rule and are likely to continue opposing the new government while........

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