India - Sri Lanka Relations: Examining Domestic Factors and External Influences on State Behaviour

Abstract

Bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and its northern neighbour- India- have traditionally been critical for both countries. The implication of such a close proximity is that, developments in each country have bearing on the other. Both India’s and Sri Lanka's foreign policy assertiveness, fuelled by domestic dynamism and external influence, makes many believe that the above factors influence and drive their relationship. The “petty politics” in Tamil Nadu are inextricably entwined with the ethnic conflict of Sri Lanka. In addition to India’s interest in South Asia as a regional power, the ‘heavy weight’ influence of Tamil Nadu over Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict is generally considered a critical factor in India’s bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. From Sri Lanka’s perspective, the Tamil Nadu domestic politics have unduly influenced India’s actions on Sri Lanka and on the Lankan Tamil issue in a critical manner.