During the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989, the country witnessed significant shifts and developments in its foreign policy landscape. Following the tragic assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi assumed leadership amidst domestic turbulence and international challenges. Guided by a vision of modernization and international cooperation, Rajiv Gandhi’s foreign policy agenda aimed to strengthen India’s position on the global stage while fostering regional stability and economic growth. His tenure saw notable initiatives in diplomacy, trade, and strategic partnerships, shaping India’s role as a key player in the dynamics of South Asian geopolitics and beyond. This era marked a period of transition and innovation in India’s foreign relations, characterized by both opportunities and challenges that would leave a lasting impact on the nation’s trajectory in the decades to come.
The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987 was a significant agreement between India and Sri Lanka aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka. Here’s an overview of the accord:
Background:
- The conflict in Sri Lanka stemmed from the demand by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for an independent state for Tamils, known as Tamil Eelam, in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
Accord Details:
- The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord was signed on July 29, 1987, between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene.
- The main objective of the accord was to bring an end to the civil war and establish peace and stability in Sri Lanka.
Key Provisions:
- Devolution of Powers: The accord aimed to devolve powers to the provinces, giving them a degree of autonomy. It proposed the establishment of a Provincial Council system in Sri Lanka.
- Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF): As part of the accord, India agreed to send the Indian Peace Keeping Force to Sri Lanka to disarm the LTTE and other militant groups.
- Tamil Language Rights: The accord sought to ensure the rights of the Tamil language in Sri Lanka.
- Return of Displaced Persons: It addressed the issue of displaced persons due to the conflict, emphasizing their return to their homes.
Challenges and Controversies:
- The accord faced challenges in implementation, especially the disarmament of the LTTE, which was a key aspect of the agreement.
- The presence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka led to significant conflict and casualties, both among the IPKF and the LTTE.
- The accord was met with opposition from various quarters, including some sections of the Sri Lankan government and political groups.
Legacy:
- Ultimately, the accord did not lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. The situation in Sri Lanka remained volatile, and the civil war continued.
- The presence of the IPKF in Sri Lanka led to strained relations between India and Sri Lanka, and the force was eventually withdrawn in 1990.
The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987 remains a significant chapter in the history of India’s engagement with its neighbour, Sri Lanka, and in efforts to bring peace to the war-torn nation.
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Jayewardene, had several key features:
- 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution:
- The accord aimed to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War by facilitating the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution.
- This amendment was passed by the Sri Lankan Parliament on November 14, 1987. It sought to establish provincial councils based on the provisions of the accord.
- The amendment also included the establishment of a high court in each province and made Tamil one of the official languages, with English as the link language.
- Devolution of Power:
- Colombo committed to devolving power to the provinces, giving them a greater degree of autonomy.
- Withdrawal of Troops and Surrender of Arms:
- Sri Lankan troops were to be withdrawn to their barracks in the northern region.
- Tamil rebel groups, including the LTTE, were expected to surrender their arms.
- Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF):
- An Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was sent to Sri Lanka at the request of the Sri Lankan government to implement the accord.
- The primary task of the IPKF was to disarm various militant groups, not just the LTTE. However, this led to significant combat involvement.
- Interim Administrative Council:
- The establishment of an Interim Administrative Council was planned to follow the disarmament process.
- Challenges and Controversies:
- The accord faced challenges in implementation, particularly due to disagreements with the LTTE. The LTTE sought to dominate the Interim Administrative Council and refused to disarm, which created tensions with the IPKF.
- I PKF’s Role:
- Initially, the IPKF was not intended to engage in significant combat. However, it became embroiled in the conflict, facing resentment from both Tamils and the Sri Lankan population.
- End of Indian Intervention:
- The Indian intervention came to an end in 1989 when Sri Lanka’s democratic process led to a change in leadership, effectively nullifying the accord.
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord and its subsequent implementation through the 13th Amendment played a significant role in the efforts to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War, but it also faced substantial challenges and ultimately saw the withdrawal of Indian forces.
FAQs
1. What were the key objectives of Rajiv Gandhi’s foreign policy?
A: Rajiv Gandhi’s foreign policy aimed at fostering stronger ties with neighboring countries and enhancing India’s standing on the global stage. He sought to promote regional stability, strengthen relations with major powers, and prioritize economic diplomacy to bolster India’s development.
2. How did Rajiv Gandhi approach relations with neighboring countries?
A: Rajiv Gandhi pursued a policy of engagement and cooperation with neighboring countries, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding. He aimed to resolve long-standing disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, particularly with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. His efforts included the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to address the Tamil issue and initiatives like the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to promote regional cooperation.
3. What was Rajiv Gandhi’s stance on major global issues during his tenure?
A: Rajiv Gandhi advocated for a non-aligned foreign policy that emphasized India’s independence in international affairs. He actively engaged with the global community on issues such as disarmament, nuclear proliferation, and environmental protection. Gandhi supported initiatives for peace and stability in regions afflicted by conflicts, such as in the Middle East and Africa.
4. How did Rajiv Gandhi contribute to India’s economic diplomacy?
A: Rajiv Gandhi recognized the importance of economic diplomacy in advancing India’s interests globally. He sought to attract foreign investment, promote trade liberalization, and enhance economic cooperation with other countries. Gandhi’s tenure saw the initiation of economic reforms that aimed to integrate India into the global economy and foster technological advancements through initiatives like the “Look East” policy.
5. What were the major challenges faced by Rajiv Gandhi’s foreign policy?
A: Rajiv Gandhi encountered challenges such as regional conflicts, tensions with neighboring countries, and shifts in global geopolitics. Managing relations with Pakistan amid continued hostilities, addressing the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka, and navigating the complexities of the Cold War era were among the key challenges. Additionally, internal political dynamics and economic constraints posed hurdles to the implementation of his foreign policy objectives.
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