Pangs of Proximity: Indian and Sri Lanka's Ethnic Crisis

Index

1. A Framework of India's Approach towards its Neighbours --
2. India's Concerns in Sri Lanka --
3. Responses to the Ethnic Crisis: July 1983-July 1987 --
4. The Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of July 1987 --
5. Role of the Indian Peace-Keeping Force: An Evaluation --
6. Appraisal: Reflections on Theoretical Aspects and Policy Prospects --
Appendix I: Indo-Sri Lanka Interaction on the Ethnic Crisis (Chronology of important developments, July 1983-July 1987) --
Appendix II: Annexure 'C' --
Appendix III: Cease-fire Framework before the Thimphu Talks --
Appendix IV: Text of the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement to Establish Peace and Normalcy in Sri Lanka, Colombo, 29 July 1987 --
Appendix V: Agreement between the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and the LTTE --
Appendix VI: Letters exchanged between the Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi and the President of Sri Lanka, R. Premadasa on the question of IPKF withdrawal from Sri Lanka
Appendix VII: Indo-Sri Lanka Agreements on the IPKF Withdrawal. Appendix VIII: Security Co-ordination Groups Decisions regarding the Security of the Tamils.

"S. D. Muni2s work is a significant contribution to the unfolding events of Sri Lanka2s ethnic conflict which has been compiled from an Indian perspective. Muni also highlights the weaknesses of India2s mediating process, which was prolonged without success. This is a tribute to his scholarship." --Siri Gamage in Journal of Contemporary Asia "Professor Muni2s book represents a very important contribution to the history of India-Sri Lanka relations in the crucial period 1983 to 1990. This book is short on verbiage and seeks to concentrate on hard facts and analysis." --India Quarterly "Muni demonstrates how the various conflicts are intermeshed in South Asia and how internal conflicts can create bilateral or international tensions. Muni shows the often divergent assessments and the dilemmas of Indian foreign policy makers in dealing with the Sri Lankan crisis. At the same time he makes clear that the problem of balancing the dynamics of ethnic conflicts with national security concerns will remain on the agenda of Indian policy makers." --Christian Wagner in Internationales Asienforum "The overall treatment of the subject is very exhaustive, meticulous and systematic.... The book opens up a whole new perspective which has had treatment from journalists and other writers before Muni in a somewhat piecemeal manner. A good chronology of events is given with the author2s own carefully arranged insights. Muni covers "the Indian perspective" with skill, highlighting many of its dimensions and variables. The book sheds new light on the chain of events leading up to the July agreement which was a watershed in Indo-Lanka relations. One other impressive task he has accomplished is the correction of incorrect facts relating to the conflict and Indian involvement whether they refer to the Sri Lankan or Indian side. A considerable degree of objectivity is achieved in the assessments and criticisms that Muni makes.... Muni2s book fills a lacuna which existed in the copious volumes of work on the subject. Those interested in the subtle nature of South Asian diplomacy, defence relations, elite politics, roles of governments in resolving political conflicts exacerbated by cultural and ideological factors have much to gain from Muni2s contribution.... Muni2s work is a significant contribution to the unfolding events of Sri Lanka2s ethnic conflict which has been compiled from an Indian perspective. Muni also highlights the weaknesses of India2s mediating process which was prolonged without success. This is a tribute to his scholarship." --Journal of Contemporary Asia "Muni2s study gives a very detailed account of the different stages of the Indian intervention. Its main value lies in the analysis of the political and security constraints of Indian foreign policy makers in dealing with the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. On the basis of his interviews with Singhalese. Tamil and Indian politicians, military leaders and intellectuals, Muni is able to give a very good picture of the various stages of the negotiations which finally led to the Peace Agreement.... Muni demonstrates how the various conflicts are intermeshed in South Asia and how internal conflicts can create bilateral or international tensions. Muni shows the often divergent assessments and the dilemmas of Indian foreign policy makers in dealing with the Sri Lankan crisis. At the same time he makes clear that the problem of balancing the dynamics of ethnic conflicts with national security concerns will remain on the agenda of Indian policy makers." --Internationales Asienfourm The ethnic crisis which today engulfs Sri Lanka has deep historical roots. India2s response to developments in Sri Lanka is examined in the broad framework of India2s approach to its neighbor2s internal problems since 1947. The author comprehensively analyzes India2s attitude toward Sri Lanka2s ethnic conflict, comparing the policies of the government under Indira Gandhi, and then her son Rajiv. In particular, the author describes the implications and nuances of the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987 and the role played by the Indian Peace Keeping force sent to Sri Lanka to assist in the implementation of the Agreement. One of the unique features of this study is that it underlines the critical role of socio-cultural linkages across national boundaries. "This is a solid, well-researched work examining India2s involvement in Sri Lanka2s continuing ethnic crisis. . . . S. D. Muni, an internationally respected scholar, . . . argues persuasively." --Choice "No student of India2s foreign policy can afford to ignore this book." --The Statesman "S. D. Muni2s book is the most careful overview of India-Sri Lanka relations (and the event leading up to the intervention) yet published." --The Hindu