The IPKF in Sri Lanka by Lt Gen Depinder Singh, published by Trishul Publications in 1992, is a seminal first-hand account of one of India’s most controversial military interventions. The book details the Indian Peace Keeping Force’s (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990, a period marked by complex political maneuvering, intense guerrilla warfare, and tragic miscalculations. As the overall commander of the IPKF, Lt Gen Singh provides an insider’s perspective on the mission’s objectives, execution, and eventual withdrawal, offering a candid assessment of the successes and failures of the Indian military and political leadership during the intervention.The IPKF was deployed under the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, signed by Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene, with the stated aim of disarming Tamil militant groups—primarily the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)—and restoring peace in the island nation. However, the mission quickly devolved into a protracted and bloody conflict with the LTTE, exposing the limitations of India’s preparedness and the ambiguities in its political and military objectives.

This book stands out as the definitive military account of the IPKF’s mission, written by the officer who led the operation. It is valued for its candor, depth, and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The book is not merely a chronicle of military actions, but a critical analysis of the interplay between politics and military strategy, making it essential reading for students of military history, strategic studies, and international relations.

1. Political-Military Disconnect: Lt Gen Singh’s narrative repeatedly underscores the lack of clarity in the Indian government’s aims and the absence of clear directives for the military. The IPKF was initially conceived as a peacekeeping force, but soon found itself engaged in full-scale combat without adequate preparation or political backing.2. Operational Challenges: The book describes the IPKF’s struggle to adapt to guerrilla warfare in unfamiliar terrain, the difficulties of intelligence gathering, and the logistical nightmares of operating in hostile territory. Singh highlights the inadequacy of equipment, training, and local knowledge, which hampered the force’s effectiveness.3. Human Cost and Ethical Dilemmas: Singh does not shy away from discussing the human toll of the conflict—on soldiers, militants, and civilians alike. The book touches upon allegations of human rights violations, civilian casualties, and the psychological burden borne by Indian soldiers, many of whom felt they were fighting “someone else’s war”.4. Lessons Learned: A recurring theme is the need for better civil-military coordination, clearer political objectives, and improved counterinsurgency doctrine. Singh’s reflections have influenced subsequent Indian military thinking on intervention and peacekeeping.

The IPKF in Sri Lanka occupies a unique place in Indian and Sri Lankan collective memory. In India, the IPKF episode is often invoked as a cautionary tale about the perils of military intervention without clear objectives or public support. The mission’s failures and the subsequent assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber left a deep imprint on Indian political consciousness and policy-making.In Sri Lanka, the IPKF’s legacy is more contentious. While some saw the intervention as a necessary step to curb the LTTE, many Tamils viewed the Indian force as an occupying army responsible for civilian suffering. The book, by presenting the Indian military’s perspective, contributes to a more nuanced understanding of this fraught period in Sri Lankan history.

India: The IPKF episode profoundly affected Indian military doctrine and foreign policy. It exposed the dangers of entering a conflict without a clear exit strategy or understanding of local dynamics. The loss of over 1,000 Indian soldiers and the political backlash in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere led to a more cautious approach in subsequent interventions. The experience also prompted reforms in India’s counterinsurgency training and doctrine.Sri Lanka: The IPKF’s presence and eventual withdrawal altered the trajectory of the Sri Lankan civil war. While the force temporarily weakened the LTTE, it failed to achieve a lasting peace. The intervention strained Indo-Sri Lankan relations for years and remains a sensitive topic in both countries.Society: The conflict’s human cost—civilian casualties, displacement, and trauma—left scars that are still felt today. The book’s candid discussion of these issues has contributed to ongoing debates about military accountability and the ethics of intervention.

Lt Gen Depinder Singh’s The IPKF in Sri Lanka is a landmark work that offers rare insight into a complex and tragic chapter of South Asian history. Through detailed narrative and critical analysis, Singh illuminates the operational, political, and ethical challenges faced by the IPKF, providing lessons that resonate far beyond the specifics of the Sri Lankan conflict.The book’s enduring value lies in its honesty and its refusal to offer easy answers. It stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, the limitations of military power, and the necessity of aligning political aims with military means. For India, Sri Lanka, and the broader international community, the IPKF experience—as documented by Singh—remains a sobering reminder of the costs and consequences of intervention.