2013 · GS Paper 2 · Q23 · 10 marks
In respect of India – Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
In short
In India-Sri Lanka relations, Tamil Nadu politics, fishermen's livelihoods, Sinhala nationalism and economic need repeatedly set the limits of foreign policy on both sides. DMK pressure shaped India's 2012 and 2013 UNHRC votes, while union protests made Colombo drop the East Container Terminal deal in 2021.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 271 words
Tamil Nadu sentiment
Kinship with Sri Lankan Tamils drew India into the 1987 Accord and the IPKF, and Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 forced a hands-off stance.
Coalition pressure
DMK pressure, ending in its exit from the UPA in 2013, shaped India's UNHRC votes against Colombo and the Prime Minister skipping the Colombo CHOGM.
Fishermen's livelihoods
Repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Bay keep the 1974 Katchatheevu cession a live political issue.
Sinhala majoritarianism
Provincial councils under the 13th Amendment still lack police and land powers, since devolution is seen as an Indian imposition.
Nationalist suspicion
Trade-union protests made Colombo drop the East Container Terminal deal with India and Japan in 2021.
Regime preference
The Rajapaksa tilt to China brought the Hambantota lease and Colombo Port City.
Economic distress
About $4 billion of Indian support in the 2022 crisis pulled Colombo back, and President Dissanayake made India his first visit in December 2024.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.