AFP, New Delhi

India yesterday gave a red-carpet welcome to Myanmar’s junta leader-turned President Min Aung Hlaing -- his first trip abroad since becoming civilian leader -- with talks focusing on security and trade.

The former military chief met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they shook hands outside New Delhi’s sprawling Hyderabad House.

Modi told the Myanmar leader that “India remains Myanmar’s trusted neighbour, a reliable partner and steadfast first responder in times of crisis”, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.

Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as Myanmar’s president in April, continuing his rule from a civilian post five years after snatching power in a military coup.

Modi also “reaffirmed India’s readiness to support peace and dialogue in Myanmar”, Jaiswal added.

New Delhi’s top career diplomat, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, told reporters after the meeting that discussions included border security and the impact of the civil war in Myanmar, which borders India’s northeastern states.

“Stability and peace in Myanmar is obviously a major interest for India,” Misri said.

“Not just for the security of the northeast and the safety and security of people living along the 1,643-kilometre (1,020-mile) long border that we have with them, but also for our interests -- such as connectivity to Southeast Asia,” he said.