ABSTRACT
The chapter shows that Myanmar has witnessed a phenomenal political transition in recent years with huge implications on the country’s internal political and socioeconomic landscapes, as well as on its foreign relations with the outside world. Internally, the change has brought about an end to the five-decade long military rule and set in motion a process of establishing a democratic system of government in the country. So far, the most significant outcome of this process has been the historic victory of the National League for Democracy and the coming to power of the party in March this year. Externally, it has opened up room in the country’s foreign engagements as well as for multiple external players to enter and engage with the country. These internal and external changes have direct and indirect implications on India and Delhi’s relations with Naypyitaw and the wider region. Within this context, as political changes further redefine Myanmar’s politics and its future, a few pertinent issues that need assessment in India-Myanmar relations are: How does Myanmar’s democratic transition impact India-Myanmar relations? In what ways do multiple political players shape India’s ties with Myanmar? Do increased external players’ engagement with Myanmar affect its ties with India? There are three areas where the implications of these changes will have a direct impact, namely security, connectivity and ethnicity. Importantly, these issues are interrelated and the progress in one will have a positive impact on the other while the reverse is also equally true. This chapter takes up each of these issues and examines the changes, challenges and prospects.
