Myanmar’s acting president, Myint Swe, a key figure in the military junta that seized power in February 2021, died at 74 in a Naypyitaw military hospital on Thursday morning, succumbing to neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy. His death, announced by the military, marks a significant moment for Myanmar’s junta-led government, which faces internal strife and external pressures, including a 40% tariff imposed by the United States effective August 7.

Myint Swe, a former general and ally of ex-junta leader Than Shwe, became acting president after the military coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. His appointment, legally contested for lacking constitutional grounds, enabled the National Defence and Security Council, chaired by him, to declare a state of emergency, transferring power to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Myint Swe’s role was largely ceremonial, signing decrees to extend emergency rule while Min Aung Hlaing held de facto control. In July 2024, Myint Swe, gravely ill, handed presidential duties to Min Aung Hlaing, who ended the state of emergency last week, announcing a controversial December election opposed by pro-democracy groups.

Myint Swe’s military career included leading Yangon’s regional command and overseeing a brutal 2007 Saffron Revolution crackdown, killing dozens. He also played roles in high-profile arrests, including Ne Win’s family in 2002 and former Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in 2004, later taking over Khin Nyunt’s military intelligence network. Sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2021 for his coup involvement, Myint Swe leaves a legacy tied to Myanmar’s turbulent military rule. His state funeral’s date remains undisclosed.

Also Read: Trump’s Tariffs Ignite Global Trade War, Threaten US Economic Stability

Concurrently, US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, effective Thursday, impose a 40% duty on Myanmar exports, part of a broader policy targeting over 60 nations, including a 50% tariff on India for its $50.2 billion Russian oil imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at an M.S. Swaminathan centenary event, vowed to protect Indian farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, stating, “I am ready to pay any personal price.” India’s commerce ministry called the tariffs “unjustified,” warning of impacts on agricultural exports like rice and spices.

The tariffs exacerbate economic strain in Myanmar, already reeling from civil war and a crumbling economy, and in India, where GDP growth could dip by 0.4%. Myanmar’s junta faces resistance from ethnic armed groups, while India prepares for trade talks on August 25. Posts on X highlight global concerns, with users noting Myanmar’s political void and India’s trade challenges. As Min Aung Hlaing consolidates power and India braces for economic fallout, both nations navigate a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Also Read: PM Modi Vows to Protect Farmers Amid US Tariff Hike