Indian Peace Keeping Force

Insignia of the Indian Peace Keeping Force

Active	1987–1990
Disbanded
Country	India
Allegiance	Republic of India
Branch	Indian Army
Type	Peacekeeping force
Role	Peacekeeping operations
Size	Approximately 100,000 personnel
Part of
Garrison/HQ	India

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was a military contingent deployed by India in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 as part of a peacekeeping mission during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The IPKF was established under the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 29, 1987, by Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayewardene.

Background

The Sri Lankan Civil War was a protracted conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization seeking an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The conflict led to significant loss of life and displacement of civilians, prompting international concern and calls for intervention.

India, with its significant Tamil population, was particularly concerned about the impact of the conflict on its own Tamil citizens and the potential for regional instability. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord aimed to bring about a cessation of hostilities and provide a framework for political resolution.

Deployment

Following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, the IPKF was deployed to Sri Lanka with the primary objective of overseeing the disarmament of the LTTE and other militant groups, maintaining peace, and assisting in the implementation of the accord's provisions.

The initial deployment of the IPKF began in August 1987, with troops landing in the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The force was initially welcomed by the Sri Lankan government and some Tamil groups, but relations quickly soured as the IPKF became embroiled in active combat operations against the LTTE.

Operations

The IPKF's operations in Sri Lanka were marked by intense combat with the LTTE, which refused to disarm and continued its campaign for Tamil independence. The IPKF faced significant challenges, including unfamiliar terrain, guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the LTTE, and a lack of clear political objectives.

The IPKF's presence in Sri Lanka became increasingly controversial, both in India and Sri Lanka. In India, the mission was criticized for its high cost and loss of Indian soldiers' lives. In Sri Lanka, the IPKF was viewed by many as an occupying force, leading to strained relations between the two countries.

Withdrawal

The IPKF's mission officially ended in March 1990, following a change in the Sri Lankan government and a shift in India's foreign policy under Prime Minister V. P. Singh. The withdrawal of the IPKF was completed by March 24, 1990, marking the end of India's direct military involvement in the Sri Lankan conflict.

Legacy

The IPKF's intervention in Sri Lanka remains a subject of debate and analysis. While the mission was intended to bring peace, it highlighted the complexities of international peacekeeping and the challenges of intervening in internal conflicts. The experience also influenced India's subsequent approach to regional security and peacekeeping operations.

Also see

• Indo-Sri Lanka Accord
• Sri Lankan Civil War
• Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
• Rajiv Gandhi
• V. P. Singh