Katchatheevu Island Dispute: History, Geography and Politics

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Katchatheevu Island Controversy: A Simplified Overview

Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, has been the subject of a longstanding dispute between India and Sri Lanka. The issue has recently resurfaced due to statements made by Prime Minister of India questioning the decision to cede the island to Sri Lanka.

This article explores the historical context, Indo-Sri Lankan agreements, current status, and implications of the Katchatheevu Island controversy. By examining the geographical, political, and legal aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue and its significance in the region’s geopolitics.

Where is Katchatheevu Island?

Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.
The 285-acre island is located about 14 nautical miles off the coast of Rameswaram, India.
The island’s ownership and fishing rights have been a long-standing dispute between India and Sri Lanka.
The controversy significantly impacts the livelihoods of fishermen from both countries.

What is the History of Katchatheevu Island?

Katchatheevu Island formed due to a volcanic eruption in the 14th century.
The Jaffna kingdom of Sri Lanka controlled the island in the early medieval period.
In the 17th century, the Ramnad zamindari based in Ramanathapuram, India, gained control of the island.
During British colonial rule, the island became part of the Madras Presidency.
Both India and Sri Lanka claimed ownership of the island to determine fishing boundaries.
After independence, the dispute over Katchatheevu’s ownership continued between India and Sri Lanka.

What is the 1974 and 1976 Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements?

In 1974, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike signed an agreement that ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
The 1974 agreement allowed Indian fishermen to access the island for resting, drying nets, and visiting the St. Anthony’s shrine without a visa.
In 1976, a supplementary agreement prohibited fishermen from both countries from fishing in each other’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) without permission.
The agreements have been contentious, especially in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where many fishermen’s livelihoods depend on access to the waters around Katchatheevu.

What is the Impact of Katchatheevu on Indian Fishermen?

The Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009) initially shifted focus away from the Katchatheevu issue.
After the war, Sri Lanka strengthened its maritime defense, leading to the arrest of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters.
Tamil Nadu politicians have consistently demanded the retrieval of Katchatheevu, citing historical ties and the impact on fishermen’s livelihoods.
The Indian government maintains that the island’s status was settled in 1974, and reclaiming it would require drastic measures.
Between 2003 and 2023, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 6,184 Indian fishermen and seized 1,175 Indian fishing vessels.

Why is Katchatheevu Issue back again?

The Katchatheevu issue has resurfaced in Indian politics, with Prime Minister of India criticizing the oppostion party for “callously giving away” the island in 1974.
Documents obtained through RTI requests suggest that former Indian Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi downplayed the island’s significance.
The controversy highlights the complex nature of historical claims, political sentiments, and bilateral agreements between India and Sri Lanka.

what is the Significance of Katchatheevu Island?

Location and Geopolitical Importance

Katchatheevu Island is located in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.
The island’s proximity to both countries makes it strategically important.
Katchatheevu has the potential to serve as a site for naval activities.
The island has been a point of contention in the region’s geopolitics.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Katchatheevu Island holds cultural and religious significance for people in India and Sri Lanka.
The island is home to the St. Anthony’s shrine, which is an important religious site.
Devotees from both countries visit the shrine during an annual festival.
The island’s religious importance adds another dimension to the ongoing dispute.

What is Indian government official Stand on Katchatheevu island?

The official stance of the Indian government regarding Katchatheevu is that the island was irrevocably ceded to Sri Lanka as part of the 1974 agreement, and there is no intention to reclaim it.

This position was underscored by the Attorney General’s statement to the Supreme Court, emphasizing that retrieving Katchatheevu would necessitate an act of war, which is not a considered option.

Consequently, the government has not pursued any changes to the sovereignty status of the island. Instead, it has focused on diplomatic efforts to address the concerns of Indian fishermen, including their safety and the prevention of their detention by Sri Lankan authorities.

The government’s approach is to manage the fishermen’s issues through dialogue and bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, rather than challenging the island’s ownership.