On 13th October 2025, India Foundation in collaboration with India Habitat Centre organised a panel discussion on ‘Indian Perspective on Myanmar Elections and Its Aftermath’. The panel consisted of Shri. Rajinder Khanna, Former Additional National Security Advisor; Ms. Rami Niranjan Desai, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation; Shri Om Prakash Das, Research Fellow, MP-IDSA; Shri Rajiv Bhatia, Former Ambassador of India to Myanmar and Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House.
The session was moderated by Shri Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation, who in his address highlighted that “elections possess the transformative potential to usher in prospects of peace and development.” He further noted that in today’s interconnected world, media and technology enable a two-way flow of communication, which should form the foundation of constructive engagement and progress in the region. Shri Bansal also observed that Myanmar’s governance and territorial control have long been influenced by various armed organisations, making the country’s political transition particularly complex and multifaceted.
The speakers shared nuanced perspectives on Myanmar’s internal dynamics, the conduct of the elections, and the subsequent political developments. Speakers discussed the continuing influence of the military, the challenges of restoring democratic governance, and humanitarian concerns arising from internal displacement and conflict. The discussion underscored that the situation in Myanmar remains fluid and deeply consequential for the broader South and Southeast Asian region. While the elections were expected to serve as a step towards democratic consolidation, the ensuing political fragmentation has revealed the fragility of the country’s institutions and the entrenched role of the military and armed organisations in governance.
From an Indian perspective, the discussion underscored the delicate balance that the government must maintain- upholding democratic values while safeguarding its strategic and security interests. Experts highlighted the importance of continued engagement with Myanmar’s various stakeholders. Discussants also reflected on the responses of ASEAN and other international actors, analysing the impact of geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific on Myanmar’s trajectory. The session reaffirmed that Myanmar’s path to peace and democracy will be long and uncertain, but continued engagements offers the best hope for positive transformation.
Upon completion of the discussion, a report titled ‘Myanmar: A Struggle for Stability,’ based on Ms Rami Niranjan Desai’s expertise and fieldwork, which incorporated visits to different parts of Myanmar was released. Link of the Report:
https://indiafoundation.in/category/report/
