Myanmar’s Elections and the Future of India’s Act East Strategy

Myanmar held its first nationwide elections since the February 2021 military coup on January 25, 2026. Despite ongoing conflict and a boycott campaign led by the National Unity Government (NUG) and allied armed groups, voting was conducted in 265 of the country's 330 townships. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to dominate the results. The international community remains skeptical, with many labeling the process as a move to consolidate military rule. For India, these elections pose a strategic dilemma: how to maintain its 'Act East' policy and secure its porous 1,600km border while dealing with a regime that lacks popular support and faces persistent internal resistance.