MAINS 2013
GS2
10 marks
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
WRITE IN
7 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss how domestic politics, especially in Tamil Nadu, shapes India's Sri Lanka policy.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Tamil Nadu factor: ethnic ties with Sri Lankan Tamils; pressure over war-time human rights and 13th Amendment devolution≈35 words
- 2Coalition politics: India's votes on UNHRC resolutions (2012, 2013); DMK left UPA in March 2013; PM skipped CHOGM Colombo (Nov 2013)≈35 words
- 3Fishermen dispute: Katchatheevu (1974 agreement), arrests in Palk Bay≈35 words
- 4Cost: space ceded to China (Hambantota, Colombo Port City); need to separate national interest from state politics≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Ethnic-historical linkSpecific episodes of domestic influenceFishermen issueStrategic costBalanced approach
Where marks usually go
- Covering only bilateral trade/strategy, not domestic drivers
- No dated episodes such as UNHRC votes or CHOGM boycott
Draw this
- Influence chain: Tamil Nadu parties → coalition government → foreign policy decision → Sri Lanka/China response
Value addition
- EventIndia voted for US-sponsored UNHRC resolutions on Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2013 under Tamil Nadu pressure.UNHRC Geneva
- AgreementIndo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987) led to Sri Lanka's 13th Amendment creating provincial councils.Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, 1987
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 44 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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