Operation Pawan: India’s Deadly Military Intervention in Sri Lanka

 

Operation Pawan: India’s Deadly Military Intervention in Sri Lanka

Date: October 17, 2025
By: [DeepOct News]

Bengaluru: India’s military history witnessed one of its most challenging overseas operations in 1987 with Operation Pawan, a major intervention in Sri Lanka that aimed to disarm the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and stabilize the region. The operation, however, turned into a deadly conflict, exposing the complexities of guerrilla warfare and international political maneuvering.

Background: Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in the 1980s was marked by deep ethnic tensions. The Sinhalese majority dominated the political and economic landscape, while the Tamil minority faced marginalization. This led to the rise of separatist movements, notably the LTTE, demanding an independent Tamil Eelam in northern Sri Lanka.

India initially intervened with humanitarian operations, such as Operation Poomalai, which air-dropped supplies to besieged Tamil areas. Following this, the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord was signed, allowing India to deploy peacekeeping forces to maintain stability and disarm the LTTE.

Escalation: From Peacekeeping to Full-Scale Combat

Despite India’s presence, the LTTE refused to disarm and launched attacks on Indian forces. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Pawan, targeting the LTTE stronghold in the Jaffna Peninsula. The operation involved infantry, tanks, artillery, paratroopers, special forces, and air support, but faced immense challenges:

• Guerrilla Warfare: The LTTE used sophisticated urban warfare, underground bunkers, and local intelligence to ambush Indian troops.

• Intelligence Failures: Insider leaks compromised Indian plans, making ambushes frequent and casualties high.

• Civilian Complications: LTTE used civilians as shields and propaganda tools, complicating India’s ethical and operational strategies.

The Battle of Jaffna University

The most significant clash occurred at Jaffna University, where Indian forces faced heavy resistance and suffered massive casualties. Helicopter-borne operations and infantry assaults could not fully neutralize the LTTE’s entrenched positions. Approximately 36 Indian soldiers were killed in the initial attacks, with many more injured or captured.

Despite these challenges, Indian troops eventually gained control of Jaffna city after nearly two weeks of intense combat. However, the operation claimed around 350 Indian lives, with numerous soldiers missing or wounded. The LTTE also suffered heavy losses, with thousands killed or captured.

Strategic and Political Fallout

Operation Pawan had long-term consequences for India:

• Strained Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

• Political backlash within India due to high casualties and operational challenges.

• The eventual assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE in 1991, partly linked to the fallout of this intervention.

The operation highlighted the limitations of conventional armies in counter-insurgency missions, particularly against well-prepared guerrilla forces embedded in civilian populations.

Key Takeaways

• India’s first major foreign military operation exposed strategic miscalculations and intelligence weaknesses.

• Guerrilla tactics and local support gave LTTE a significant advantage despite India’s superior resources.

• The operation underscores the complexities of international intervention in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies.

Conclusion

Operation Pawan remains one of India’s most significant military interventions abroad. It offers critical lessons on strategy, intelligence, and political foresight in counter-insurgency operations. While India eventually achieved tactical success in Jaffna, the human cost and long-term political ramifications made it a stark reminder of the perils of military engagement in foreign territories.