Explain India’s involvement in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict.

India's involvement in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict primarily revolved around the complex dynamics between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Tamil minority, particularly the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The conflict, spanning several decades, was characterized by tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.

In the 1980s, India became directly involved, driven by concerns about the welfare of the Tamil population, geopolitical considerations, and domestic political factors. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, initially sought to address the Tamil grievances and protect the rights of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka.

In 1987, India intervened militarily with the launch of "Operation Poomalai" to enforce the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. The accord aimed at devolving power to provincial councils and granting autonomy to the Tamil-majority areas. However, the intervention faced challenges, including opposition from the Sri Lankan government, skepticism among some Tamil factions, and resistance from the LTTE.

The involvement escalated into the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) being deployed in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The IPKF faced significant challenges, including clashes with the LTTE, resulting in a complex and contentious military engagement.

India's involvement ended in 1990, and the IPKF withdrew from Sri Lanka without fully achieving its objectives. The intervention remains a complex chapter in India's foreign policy, with both positive and negative consequences. While the effort aimed to address Tamil grievances and promote stability, it also faced criticism for unintended consequences, strained relations with Sri Lanka, and internal political challenges in India.

In summary, India's involvement in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict reflected its attempt to address the rights and concerns of the Tamil minority, contributing to the broader regional and geopolitical dynamics of South Asia.