India gave a red-carpet welcome to Myanmar's junta leader turned President Min Aung Hlaing on Monday, on his first trip abroad since becoming civilian leader, reports AFP.

The former military chief met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, where they shook hands outside New Delhi's sprawling Hyderabad House, an AFP photographer saw.

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on Saturday, first to the eastern state of Bihar, with a visit to the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya -- where believers say that the Buddha attained enlightenment.

He is expected to hold talks with business representatives during his five-day visit, and will travel to the financial hub Mumbai.

Bilateral trade was $1.95 billion in 2025-2026, according to New Delhi.

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.

His swearing-in ceremony was attended by representatives from the neighbouring nations of China, India and Thailand as well as 20 other countries, according to parliamentary officials.

END/AFP/ASA

At least 34 people, including two babies were killed when a contraband fuel depot exploded into flames in southern Benin near the border with Nigeria on Saturday.

According to Beninese Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, “a serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji. Another 20 people were seriously wounded in the incident.”

"I can't really give you the cause of the fire, but there is a large gasoline warehouse here and cars, tricycles and motorcycles come from morning to evening,” he added.

Nigeria is a main oil and gas producer where fuel smuggling is very common along its borders, particularly when the government maintains a subsidy to keep fuel prices low.

The majority of the victims were burnt and they could not be not be identified.

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