From any angle you look at it, India’s failure to engage Srilanka in the current war will have serious repercussions for India.

Military

By now it has become very evident that the Srilankan army was able to step up offensive because of the weapons support provided by China. With a country that already engulfs all our north and eastern borders. We could not have asked for a more compromised situation in the southern waters of India. Also it is now known that China is likely to help Srilanka establish sea ports and airports. That brings in Infrastructure support! Which gives them a strong location base in case there arises a need for one.

Humanitarian

India did have a failed IPKF mission! and yes it did backfire for India to the sense that we lost one of India’s most promising PM’s Shri Rajiv Gandhi which surely left us in a Catch 22 situation. But the silent spectatorship of probably one of largest civilian casuality could have been easily avoided had India made serious efforts. Yes! it is probably difficult or impossible to negotiate with armed men especially when they are killing their own people. But then an India administered ceasefire and rehabilitation program under the UN watchdog would have made more sense. This would have made India a serious power in the region in the Humanitarian map also bolstering our commitment and seriousness to engage Pakistan in a logical discussion.

Filed under: Politics