ThePrint Security Code: As Myanmar moves towards elections, China’s shadow grows, posing challenges for India
Aug 22, 2025
The podcast dives into Myanmar's upcoming elections and the intricate web of international relations at play. India's historical reliance on Myanmar's military for border security faces new challenges as China's influence deepens. With ethnic militias gaining ground and the ruling generals consolidating power, India's strategic interests are at stake. The discussion highlights the balancing act India must perform amidst shifting alliances and the looming question of support in a new political landscape.
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Elections Likely To Favor The Junta
- Myanmar is preparing December elections using Indian EVMs designed to legitimize junta-backed parties.
- The political setup and banned NLD make a fair outcome unlikely and complicate India's position.
Insurgent Gains Expand Cross‑Border Risks
- The junta's collapse and ethnic rebel gains have expanded space for India's northeast insurgents across the border.
- India now risks losing leverage as both the military and insurgent dynamics shift closer to China.
India's 1990s Pivot Toward The Generals
- After the 1988 massacres India initially backed Aung San Suu Kyi and the pro‑democracy movement.
- New Delhi later rebuilt ties with Myanmar's generals in the 1990s to curb insurgent sanctuaries affecting India.