Tianjin / New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and expressed India’s hope that Myanmar’s upcoming elections will be fair, inclusive, and participatory.
Modi calls for dialogue
During the interaction, Modi underlined that dialogue and consultation are the only sustainable ways to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar. He reiterated India’s consistent stand of supporting a Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned peace process, stressing that stability in the neighbouring country is essential for regional security and development.
Neighbourhood First and Act East policies
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Myanmar in India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, noting that cooperation between the two nations extends to connectivity, border management, defence, and development projects. He reaffirmed India’s willingness to continue assisting Myanmar in meeting its developmental goals.
Upcoming elections under scrutiny
Myanmar is set to begin elections on December 28, 2025, under the current military administration. However, several opposition groups, including pro-democracy forces, have already announced they will boycott the polls, raising questions about the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Regional implications
Analysts suggest India’s message reflects growing concerns about instability in Myanmar spilling across borders, affecting trade, security, and refugee flows into India’s northeastern states. Ensuring a credible election process in Myanmar, they note, is critical not only for its internal stability but also for regional peace.
Conclusion
By urging Myanmar’s junta to conduct fair elections, India has signalled its commitment to both democratic principles and regional stability. The outcome of Myanmar’s polls will be closely watched in New Delhi and beyond, as they will shape the future trajectory of ties between the two nations.