A lot.
India has come under increased fire by international human rights groups for its lack of action during Sri Lanka’s war against the Tamil Tiger rebels (LTTE). Some have even called India complicit in the killing of 20,000 Tamil civilians in Sri Lankan due to its provision of arms to the Sri Lankan government, its “unwavering diplomatic support” for Colombo and its unwillingness to use its influence to forge a ceasefire. Among the most vocal critics are Indian Major-General Ashok Mehta, a former commander of Indian peacekeeping forces in Sri Lanka, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
In the long run, India is unlikely to be affected by these criticisms. After all, Sri Lanka’s civil conflict has relatively little geopolitical bearing on other parts of the globe. (Although this point can be debated, as Sri Lanka does occupy a key geostrategic shipping and naval position and Colombo will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit for the first time next month as an observer.) Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if the more influential National Congress Party in New Delhi will change its policies toward its southern neighbor, especially given India’s large population of at least 60 million Tamils, the rumors that many LTTE rebels might have escaped into India, and the call by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama’s call for India to be an “important partner” in reconstructing the island nation.
Photo Credit: AP.
