Operation Pawan remains one of the most complex and least understood chapters in India’s military history. Conducted between 1987 and 1990, the operation saw Indian forces deployed to Sri Lanka as part of a peacekeeping mission that later evolved into active combat.
For the Indian Armed Forces, Operation Pawan was a challenging campaign that tested doctrine, leadership, and preparedness in unfamiliar conditions.
Background to the Intervention
In the mid 1980s, Sri Lanka was gripped by a violent internal conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Regional instability and humanitarian concerns led to diplomatic engagement by India.
The Indo Sri Lanka Accord was signed in July 1987 with the objective of ending hostilities. As part of the agreement, India agreed to deploy a military force to oversee disarmament and maintain peace.
This force was designated the Indian Peace Keeping Force.
Initial Mission of the IPKF
The original mandate of the IPKF was limited.
Its objectives included:
- Supervising the surrender of militant weapons
- Maintaining law and order
- Supporting the political process
The mission was conceived as a peacekeeping deployment, not a combat operation.
Shift From Peacekeeping to Combat
The situation changed rapidly when militant groups refused to disarm.
Armed resistance led to direct confrontations with Indian troops. The IPKF found itself conducting counter insurgency operations in dense urban areas and jungles, particularly in northern Sri Lanka.
This transition exposed gaps in preparation and intelligence.
Operational Challenges
Operation Pawan presented unique challenges.
Indian forces faced:
- Unfamiliar terrain and climate
- Limited intelligence on militant networks
- Urban combat in civilian populated areas
- Language and cultural barriers
Rules of engagement evolved as the mission shifted, complicating operations further.
Role of the Indian Army
The Indian Army formed the bulk of the IPKF.
Units conducted:
- Search and cordon operations
- Urban clearing missions
- Area domination patrols
Combat was intense and often close range. Soldiers had to adapt rapidly to a conflict very different from conventional warfare.
Air and Naval Support
The Indian Air Force provided transport, logistics, and casualty evacuation support. Helicopters played a crucial role in moving troops and supplies.
The Indian Navy supported sealift operations and ensured maritime security around the island.
Joint operations were essential to sustaining the mission.
Casualties and Cost
Operation Pawan came at a significant cost.
Over one thousand Indian soldiers lost their lives during the deployment. Many more were injured. The psychological and political impact of these losses was deeply felt.
The operation also highlighted the complexities of intervention in foreign internal conflicts.
Withdrawal and End of the Mission
By 1990, changing political dynamics led to the decision to withdraw Indian forces.
The IPKF completed its withdrawal in March 1990, bringing Operation Pawan to an end. The mission left behind hard lessons for India’s military and policymakers.
Lessons Learned From Operation Pawan
Operation Pawan reshaped Indian military thinking in several ways.
Key lessons included:
- Clear political objectives are essential
- Peacekeeping missions can escalate rapidly
- Intelligence preparation is critical
- Urban counter insurgency requires specialised training
These lessons influenced later doctrine and training reforms.
Why Operation Pawan Matters Today
Despite its controversies, Operation Pawan remains relevant.
It demonstrated the challenges of overseas military intervention and the limits of force in resolving political conflicts. It also showcased the professionalism and adaptability of Indian soldiers operating under difficult circumstances.
Understanding this operation helps place modern peacekeeping and intervention debates in historical context.
Closing Thoughts
Operation Pawan was neither a simple peacekeeping mission nor a conventional war. It was a complex military and political engagement that tested India’s armed forces in unfamiliar ways.
Remembering the operation is important not just for strategic analysis, but for honouring the soldiers who served and sacrificed far from home. Their experience continues to inform India’s approach to regional security and military deployments.