ABSTRACT Myanmar has been fragmented into a prolonged civil war following the coup in February 2021, posing a challenge to India's security and strategic interests. This study employs a theoretical policy analysis framework to examine India's approach to Myanmar's post‐coup political landscape. Concerns about border security, connectivity projects, and Beijing's influence have led New Delhi to prioritize engagement with the military regime as the legitimate authority despite widespread international condemnation. However, this framework has proved counterproductive due to the opposition forces' large territorial control, particularly by the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in key connectivity corridors. This study argues that India's traditional hedging policy in Myanmar, once considered a form of strategic flexibility, has now become a form of strategic paralysis. This study suggests that engagement with the opposition has become a strategic necessity for India and accordingly provides three policy recommendations: diversifying engagement, engaging with KIA, and expanding informal engagement. Related Articles Harel‐Shalev, A. 2009. “Lingual and Educational Policy toward ‘Homeland Minorities’ in Deeply Divided Societies: India and Israel as Case Studies.” Politics & Policy 37, no. 5: 951–70. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00206.x/abstract . Mitra, D. 2024. “Changing Preferences and Societal Dynamics: Analyzing Public Attitudes toward Preferential Discrimination Policy in Urban India.” Politics & Policy 52, no. 5: 1161–1193. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12626 . Parsons, B., R. Pauly, and C. McKee. 2025. “Simmering Conflicts, Major Consequences: Can Minor Conflicts Drive Military Involvement in Politics in Developing Countries?” Politics & Policy 53, no. 2: e70021. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70021 .
K. Thangjalen Kipgen (Wed,) studied this question.