The best of friends

That quiet diplomacy finally prevailed in defusing the crisis between the Tamil Nadu State and Indian Central Government over the Sri Lankan situation is a clear indication of the current state of Indo-Lanka relations.

It certainly has come a long way since the 80s when Indo- Lanka relations were at their nadir. Quite in contrast New Delhi today acts with circumspection vis-a-vis Sri Lanka where relations between the two countries are marked by mutual trust and understanding.

This trend was clearly demonstrated in its stance on the issue involving Tamil civilians trapped in the conflict. The Indian Government succeeded in extracting an assurance from the Tamil Nadu State Government that the latter would not rock the boat on the Sri Lanka Tamil issue. India has also assured that it would not seek a ceasefire in Sri Lanka.

This followed a meeting between special Presidential emissary MP Basil Rajapaksa and Indian leaders. This shuttle diplomacy between the two countries has become a frequent occurrence in the recent past which augurs well for developing a healthy understanding on contentious issues.

MP Rajapaksa has given a firm assurance that the welfare of Tamil civilians would be uppermost in the minds of the Government in its current offensive against the LTTE. It appears that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who was holding the Central Government hostage by threatening to withdraw its support in the Lok Sabha if it failed to stop the Government offensive, has been convinced of the measures taken to secure the safety of Tamils.

All kudos for helping to straighten out matters should go to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Basil Rajapaksa. The President, on his part, earlier telephoned Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and apprised him of the measures taken to protect civilians in the Wanni.

MP Rajapaksa has not only presented the Government's case lucidly but has also helped contain a major obstacle in the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister vis-a-vis the current humanitarian operation in the Wanni. The Senior Presidential Advisor has succeeded in convincing New Delhi of the Government's true intentions - that is to eradicate terrorism while politically empowering the Tamil people.

Admittedly the issue was a delicate one where the future of the Indian Government was at stake. There was also the strident calls by the Tamil Nadu polity for an intervention by the Central Government against the military offensive in the Wanni.

That the impasse has been settled speaks volumes for the skilful negotiations on both sides that have paved the way for a dissipation of tensions. The Government is going ahead with the humanitarian operation while working out a political solution to the conflict as desired by India.

That President Rajapaksa has decided on the 13th Amendment as the model for devolution accords with the Indian wishes too is propitious. It is now left to all parties to support this endeavour putting behind parochial considerations.

The quick resolution of the crisis also speaks volumes for the improved indo-Lanka relations. India has agreed to distribute food and medical supplies through the Sri Lanka Government respecting its sovereignty.

Gone also are the irritants that determined India's Sri Lanka policy. Today there is no Soviet axis as such and there is a shift in India's geo-political compulsions.India has assumed the status of a global power and is vying for economic supremacy with Asian giant China. Recently it signed a nuclear deal with the world's sole superpower and today its interests are more global than regional.

Sri Lanka too has done its utmost to improve ties with India and bring it to former levels when Indo- Lanka relations were at it's zenith. that India has supported the Government's battle against terrorism also augurs well for the ongoing military offensive removing all ambiguities.

There were many who were eagerly anticipating a Tamil Nadu backlash forcing India's intervention to stop the offensive. This betrays a lack of knowledge about current Indian policy. India will in no way encourage separatism in Sri Lanka which would have it's own ramifications in the State of Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Government would in no way be a party to bailing out a terrorist outfit which was responsible for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.

It is however important to speed up the political process leading to power devolution. The main Opposition UNP should come forward with its inputs and help resolve this most vexed problem that affects the nation. The two major parties representing 90 per cent of polity should join together in this endeavour to formulate a national consensus to see an end to this problem once and for all.