India's Neighbors in Turmoil: Elections Loom in Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh

• India faces strategic uncertainty as Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh lack stable, democratically elected governments, impacting security, trade, and diplomacy.
• Elections are scheduled in all three nations by early 2026, offering hope for stability and direct government-to-government engagement for India.
• Myanmar's military regime is holding phased elections amidst civil war, with opposition banned and 25% seats reserved for military, deemed a 'sham democracy' by UN.
• Nepal's March 2026 elections see new leaders challenging traditional parties, driven by youth anger over corruption and unemployment, with a 'pro-India' interim PM.
• Bangladesh's February 2026 elections are complex; pro-India Awami League is banned, while anti-India fundamentalists and BNP gain ground, raising concerns for India.

Why It Matters: Upcoming elections in Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh offer India a chance for stability in its volatile neighborhood.