Abstract
This paper explores the ideological transformation of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its contemporary political coalition, the National People’s Power (NPP), from a staunchly anti-India position to one that increasingly acknowledges India as a key strategic partner. It examines the historical trajectory of the JVP’s foreign policy views, the evolving dynamics of Indo-Sri Lankan relations, and the role of political leaders such as Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe in shaping Sri Lanka's India strategy. The article also addresses the potential future of India–NPP relations, identifying both opportunities and challenges in this evolving political and geopolitical landscape.
1. Introduction
India and Sri Lanka share a complex relationship deeply influenced by geography, history, and regional politics. Over the decades, different political actors in Sri Lanka have interpreted and managed this relationship through vastly different ideological lenses. One of the most ideologically rigid entities in this landscape has been the JVP, which for decades saw India as a hegemonic threat. However, with the evolution of the JVP into the National People’s Power (NPP), there has been a noticeable recalibration in foreign policy thinking. This shift marks a significant transformation in the ideological foundation of one of Sri Lanka’s most historically nationalist movements.
2. Historical Background: The Anti-India Foundations of the JVP
This perception was exacerbated during the 1980s, particularly with the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 and the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). The JVP’s vehement opposition to this accord was not merely rhetorical—it formed part of the justification for the party’s return to armed struggle during its second insurrection from 1987 to 1989. The JVP accused India of directly interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, particularly in the North and East, where Tamil militancy was supported at various times by Indian state and non-state actors.
Furthermore, Indian intelligence services, particularly the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), were believed to have played a covert role in crushing the JVP-led rebellion, deepening hostility and suspicion. In the eyes of JVP ideologues, India had become a direct military, political, and cultural threat—a view that lingered long after the end of the rebellion.
3. The Transition: JVP to NPP and Ideological Realignment
The turn of the 21st century brought about significant introspection within the JVP. After its reintegration into democratic politics in the 1990s, the party began to moderate its stance on many issues. The formation of the National People’s Power (NPP) in 2015 signaled not just an electoral strategy but also a broad ideological expansion. Comprising academics, professionals, youth activists, and civil society leaders, the NPP functioned as a platform for transforming the JVP’s historical brand into a more inclusive, policy-oriented political force.
This transformation included a reassessment of foreign policy. While the core principles of non-alignment, sovereignty, and anti-imperialism remained, they were now interpreted through a more pragmatic lens. The global context had changed. India was no longer seen simply as a regional hegemon, but rather as a vital economic partner, a potential counterbalance to Chinese influence, and an indispensable actor in South Asian stability.
The NPP leadership, particularly in the 2020s, began openly acknowledging India's role as a democratic ally and a strategic partner in trade, energy, and regional security. Rather than rejecting Indian engagement outright, the NPP proposed frameworks of mutual respect, transparency, and non-interference—concepts consistent with both national interest and regional diplomacy.
4. The Role of Mahinda Rajapaksa: Between Hostility and Strategic Accommodation
While the JVP was developing its ideological rigidity, Mahinda Rajapaksa's ascent to power in 2005 brought a new dimension to India–Sri Lanka relations. Rajapaksa, a populist with strong nationalist appeal, managed to balance competing interests between India and China. Although his government became increasingly reliant on Chinese funding and infrastructure development—especially during the post-war years—he never completely alienated India.
Mahinda’s strategy was twofold: cultivate Indian goodwill through traditional diplomatic channels, while opening the economic door to massive Chinese investment. This hedging strategy was evident in how his government handled Tamil Nadu’s political pressures, managed port agreements, and responded to India’s concerns about security in the Indian Ocean.
While Mahinda’s alignment with China raised red flags in New Delhi, his legacy also includes significant strategic diplomacy with India. He preserved institutional dialogues and encouraged cultural exchanges, which later helped him re-engage with Indian officials during his political comeback attempts. His actions, though often contradictory, served as a lesson for future governments—including the NPP—about the importance of keeping India diplomatically engaged, regardless of ideological differences.
5. Ranil Wickremesinghe: Architect of Modern India–Sri Lanka Relations
In contrast to Mahinda’s populist nationalism, Ranil Wickremesinghe has long been seen as a liberal internationalist with a deep commitment to regional and global partnerships. His multiple tenures as Prime Minister have been marked by efforts to bring Sri Lanka closer to India through economic liberalization, trade partnerships, and diplomatic outreach.
Ranil played a key role in promoting agreements such as the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), despite public opposition and nationalist resistance. His tenure also saw increased Indian involvement in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, port management, and digital infrastructure development.
More importantly, Ranil’s leadership emphasized transparency in foreign policy—a principle that India welcomed, especially in light of China’s expanding footprint. Wickremesinghe’s continued support for Indian-led development projects in the North and East of Sri Lanka further cemented his reputation as a trusted partner in New Delhi.
His influence continues in the present political landscape, even as the NPP rises as a formidable opposition force. The frameworks and institutional mechanisms established under his leadership serve as useful precedents for future governments, including an eventual NPP administration.
6. Contemporary Outlook: The NPP and India in the Emerging Regional Order
The contemporary political climate in Sri Lanka is characterized by disillusionment with traditional parties and a growing appetite for alternative leadership. The NPP, riding a wave of anti-corruption and reformist sentiment, has gained substantial traction among urban youth, professionals, and middle-class voters. This has brought it closer than ever to governing power.
In this context, the NPP’s foreign policy—especially its approach to India—will be under close scrutiny. Already, there are encouraging signs. Party leaders have expressed support for Indian investments that align with national interests, such as joint ventures in renewable energy, digital technology, and sustainable agriculture.
On security matters, the NPP has publicly affirmed its commitment to regional peace and cooperation, acknowledging India’s legitimate concerns about maritime security, transnational crime, and geostrategic rivalries. The party has also demonstrated willingness to pursue bilateral mechanisms to address sensitive issues such as the fisheries conflict, rather than resorting to populist grandstanding.
However, the shadow of JVP’s past lingers. Some in India’s strategic community remain wary of the NPP’s ideological roots and historical hostility. Rebuilding trust will require consistent diplomacy, a robust track record of cooperation, and a clear break from earlier postures of isolationism.
7. Challenges and Prospects for the Future
The transition from anti-India radicalism to pragmatic engagement is neither linear nor guaranteed. Internal tensions within the NPP—between the old guard and the new technocratic leadership—could complicate foreign policy coherence. Moreover, the regional context is increasingly shaped by great power competition, especially between India and China, which may constrain Sri Lanka’s strategic autonomy.
At the same time, India too must navigate this relationship with care. A policy of strategic patience, capacity-building, and soft diplomacy will be essential in consolidating ties with a future NPP-led administration. Overemphasis on security concerns or exclusive economic control may reignite nationalist resistance.
What remains clear is that the JVP’s transformation into the NPP has already rewritten the script of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy discourse. The long-standing image of India as a threat is being replaced—however cautiously—with a vision of India as a partner in regional progress.
8. Conclusion
The story of India and the JVP–NPP encapsulates the broader transformation of Sri Lankan politics—from insurrection and radicalism to reform and governance. What was once a politics of opposition has gradually matured into a politics of negotiation. As the NPP steps closer to the reins of power, its relationship with India will be both a litmus test and a defining axis of its legitimacy.
If managed wisely, the shift from antagonism to cooperation could not only serve the interests of both nations but also offer a model for how ideological adversaries can adapt to the demands of a changing world order.
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