Tamil Eelam: A Strategic Imperative to Contain China in the Indian Ocean

President Nila
Jun 24
3 min read

Introduction

As China tightens its grip on the Indian Ocean through deep-sea ports and maritime routes, regional powers must confront a critical reality: the systematic suppression of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka was not merely a domestic conflict—it was a strategic move backed by China to eliminate resistance in a geopolitically sensitive region.

If India and the West are truly committed to maritime security and balancing China’s rise, it is time to revisit the Tamil Eelam question, not as a humanitarian issue alone, but as a strategic counterbalance in the South Asian maritime theatre.

The Geopolitical Value of the Tamil Homeland

The Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, home to the Eelam Tamils, lie at a crucial maritime crossroads between the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Southeast Asia. These waters form the lifeline of global trade and energy routes, and any foreign control here could severely impact Indian Ocean security.

Before 2009, the Tamil-controlled areas served—at least symbolically—as a barrier to external domination, especially from authoritarian regimes like China. However, post-war developments tell a different story:

China invested over $1.5 billion in the Hambantota Port, now effectively leased to Beijing for 99 years.
Infrastructure and surveillance projects have expanded across Sri Lanka with little oversight.
The Tamil homeland is now heavily militarised, with more than 16 of Sri Lanka’s 19 military divisions stationed in Tamil areas.

China’s Role in the Destruction of Tamil Resistance

China’s support to Sri Lanka during the civil war—through arms deals, financial aid, and diplomatic backing at the UN—played a key role in defeating Tamil resistance. This was not about protecting Sri Lankan sovereignty—it was about securing long-term access to ports and influence in South Asia.

By aligning with Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism, China ensured the elimination of Tamil political and territorial influence, thus removing a key regional actor who could have opposed external interference.

The Cyprus Model: A Diplomatic Framework for Sri Lanka

During his recent visit to Cyprus, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled a willingness to engage with complex sovereignty issues. The Cyprus model, where the island remains divided between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots with separate administrative structures, offers an instructive precedent:

It shows that international recognition and functional autonomy can coexist.
It accepts historical grievances while maintaining geopolitical stability.

A similar federal solution for Tamil Eelam—recognised as an autonomous region with international guarantees—could serve Sri Lanka’s internal peace and regional security goals simultaneously.

Strategic Benefits of Supporting Tamil Eelam

For India and Western democracies, a stable, autonomous Tamil region offers tangible benefits:

1. Maritime Security: Tamil Eelam can be developed as a buffer zone against Chinese naval and intelligence operations.

2. Diplomatic Balance: Tamil self-rule would reduce Sri Lanka’s overdependence on China and realign it towards democratic allies.

3. Diaspora Power: The global Tamil diaspora, especially in the UK, Canada, and Europe, can become a soft power asset in international diplomacy.

Policy Recommendations

1. India and its Quad partners (Japan, US, Australia) should initiate a Tamil Eelam strategic dialogue under a maritime security framework.

2. Encourage Sri Lanka to adopt a federal constitution, modelled on Cyprus or the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq.

3. Push for UN-monitored demilitarisation of Tamil areas and restoration of Tamil economic and administrative control.

4. Support Tamil-led development and ports management, with safeguards from Indian and Western investors.

5. Recognise the Tamil genocide and establish truth and reconciliation mechanisms backed by the UN and Commonwealth.

Conclusion: Tamil Eelam Is a Solution, Not a Problem

Dismissing the Tamil question as a separatist or outdated issue is strategically short-sighted. Tamil Eelam represents not just justice for a persecuted people, but also a decisive answer to growing Chinese influence in one of the world’s most important maritime zones.

If India and the West are serious about a free, open, and multipolar Indian Ocean, they must recognise that the path runs through Tamil Eelam. Peace, security, and sovereignty are not mutually exclusive—they can be achieved through wise, just, and strategic diplomacy.

(Disclaimer: Images are AI generated and are used for representational purposes only)

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