Why Tamil Eelam is Crucial for Regional and Global Stability

 The Tamil Eelam struggle for independence, particularly in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern regions, has been a pivotal issue in the Indian Ocean’s geopolitics. The Tamil Eelam movement, primarily led by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), aimed to secure an independent homeland for Tamils, a community with a distinct cultural and linguistic identity. While the LTTE’s armed conflict ended in 2009, its legacy remains critical for understanding modern geopolitical dynamics and regional security concerns, especially in the context of the Indian Ocean.

Tamil Eelam and Its Maritime Significance

 

The northern and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka are not just culturally significant for the Tamil community but are also strategically important due to their control over maritime routes. Tamil Eelam, had it been established, would have controlled approximately two-thirds of Sri Lanka’s seashore, which spans approximately 1,601 kilometers. This would have given Eelam Tamils control over key maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, which are vital for global trade and naval security.

In terms of maritime security, the Indian Ocean is a key route for global shipping and a center of geopolitical competition. Countries like China, India, and the United States have vital interests in the region, making it a hotspot for international rivalry. After the LTTE's defeat in 2009, China significantly increased its presence in the region, particularly through investments in ports and infrastructure in Sri Lanka, such as the Hambantota Port. This development directly affected maritime security, especially for the countries with vital shipping routes passing through the Indian Ocean.

Post-2009 Geopolitical Shifts and Illicit Activities

While the LTTE was officially defeated, certain groups continued to exploit the sea routes for illicit activities, including drug smuggling. Notably, in 2021, the Indian Coast Guard seized arms and drugs near the island of Laccadive, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently reported that Sri Lankan individuals were involved in these activities. The NIA pointed to a mix of local Sri Lankan nationals, ISIS operatives, and other underground entities, with suspected links to the Pakistan-based, PFI (Popular Front of India). These developments show a disturbing continuation of maritime criminal activities using the sea routes once controlled by the LTTE.

It's crucial to clarify that the LTTE, during its existence, was not involved in drug dealing or trafficking for financial gain. While they did engage in arms smuggling to fund their independence struggle, there is no credible evidence linking them to large-scale drug trafficking operations, as is often suggested. The LTTE’s core mission was to establish an independent Tamil homeland, not to engage in criminal enterprises. However, in the post-2009 era, criminal networks, using the same maritime routes once utilized by the LTTE, have exploited the situation. These brokers, familiar with the sea routes, have continued to operate under the guise of the LTTE’s name, but there is no direct connection to the former organization.

The Role of China and the New Maritime Order

After 2009, China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean fundamentally altered the regional security landscape. Through significant infrastructure projects, including the development of the Hambantota Port and Gwadar Port in Pakistan, China has strategically positioned itself to control key maritime chokepoints. This increased influence has had profound implications for the region’s security, particularly in relation to the maritime trade routes that connect the East and West.

China’s actions have not been without controversy. Some reports indicate that illicit activities, including drug trafficking, have been facilitated by Chinese networks operating in the region. For example, recent reports from October 2023 mentioned methadone trafficking through India, specifically from Delhi, en route to Australia and New Zealand. The person arrested, Jafer Shadik, is alleged to have been involved in these activities, highlighting a broader issue of drug trafficking in the region that is not solely linked to Sri Lankan groups but also to international criminal networks.

The Post-2009 Tamil Eelam Connection

Though the LTTE was defeated, the geopolitical dynamics around Tamil Eelam’s maritime significance continue to be relevant. The control over sea routes was a critical factor in the LTTE’s struggle. The Tamil-majority regions of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, due to their geographic location, remain crucial to global trade and regional security. The ongoing criminal activities in these areas, involving arms and drug smuggling, underscore the importance of ensuring these routes remain secure and free from misuse.

The current maritime situation in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern coasts continues to influence broader geopolitical developments. The increased involvement of China in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the wider Indian Ocean has raised concerns about the future stability of this critical region. As China extends its maritime footprint, the risks of illicit activities in these waters—activities often falsely attributed to the Tamil struggle—are becoming more pronounced.

Conclusion: The Need for Regional Cooperation

To ensure that the Indian Ocean remains a zone of stability and security, it is essential for the international community, including India, Western nations, and Sri Lanka, to cooperate in addressing the dual challenges of maritime security and regional stability. This includes combating the exploitation of key sea routes by illicit networks and ensuring that these critical chokepoints do not fall under the influence of any one nation or group.

The Tamil Eelam issue, although unresolved, continues to be a relevant factor in understanding the strategic importance of the region. By acknowledging the significance of the Northern and Eastern seacoasts of Sri Lanka, the international community can better address the challenges of maritime security in the Indian Ocean, while also respecting the historical and cultural claims of the Tamil people.

References

1. National Investigation Agency (NIA) Report: [Details of the 2021 arms and drugs seizure near Laccadive and subsequent investigations].

2. Popular Front of India (PFI) Ban: Indian government ban on PFI in 2022, with implications for regional security and links to global illicit activities.

3. Jafer Shadik Arrest: Report on the arrest of Jafer Shadik for drug trafficking activities linked to international syndicates.

4. China’s Maritime Strategy: Overview of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region.

5. India-China Maritime Rivalry: Analysis of the increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and its implications for regional security.

6. Sri Lanka’s Maritime Security: A report on the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern coasts for global shipping and international security.

Nila Bala (Balananthini Balasubramaniam)

14:12

10/04/2025

United Kingdom

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

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