Katchatheevu Island Issue: India Holds Firm, No Plans For Official Discussion With Sri Lanka

The Government of India has decided not to raise the issue of Katchatheevu Island with Sri Lanka through official channels, despite despite its use as a political talking point during Lok Sabha elections 2024. New Delhi has no plans to reopen the 1974 Agreement or discuss the matter with Colombo, even though it has become a contentious topic in Tamil Nadu's election season.

While leaders of the ruling BJP have made the issue a focal point to criticise the Congress and its allies, the government has informed Colombo through informal channels that it will raise the issue for domestic political reasons but will not ask for the island's return.

India continues to maintain its position, expressed to the Supreme Court, that reclaiming the island would require going to "war" with Sri Lanka, as reopening the 1974 Agreement on boundary issues is seen as challenging. Despite regular discussions with Colombo on Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities, there are no plans to retrieve Katchatheevu island.

India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, highlighted efforts to enhance bilateral relations and explore new opportunities. Sri Lanka views the matter as India's internal concern and does not see reopening talks on the island's status as relevant.

Former High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Ashok Kantha, emphasized that the boundary issue is settled, with no ceding of territory. He advised against reopening the issue, noting that it has been a point of contention for a long time and that the 1974 Agreement clarified the fishing rights in the region.

In January 2015, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian fishermen have access to Katchatheevu island for specific purposes under the 1974 agreement.

Jaishankar highlighted the challenges faced by Indian fishermen and the ongoing detention of Indian fishing boats by Sri Lanka. He emphasized the need for a solution through dialogue with the Sri Lankan government.

The controversy over Katchatheevu Island arose when PM Modi accused the Congress of giving away the island, leading to Indian fishermen losing their fishing rights. "Despite their rhetoric, the DMK has taken no action to protect Tamil Nadu's interests. Recent revelations about #Katchatheevu have completely exposed the DMK's hypocrisy. Congress and DMK are like family units. They prioritize the advancement of their kin and disregard others. Their negligence regarding Katchatheevu has particularly harmed our impoverished fishermen and fisherwomen," PM Modi tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated that the island was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, causing ongoing issues for Indian fishermen.

The Katchatheevu Island Row:

The Katchatheevu island dispute has been a longstanding issue between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in differing interpretations of historical agreements and treaties. In 1974, India ceded administrative control of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka through a bilateral agreement. However, the agreement did not address maritime boundaries, leading to ongoing disagreements over fishing rights, maritime boundaries, and territorial sovereignty. This has resulted in tension, particularly concerning Indian fishermen who are frequently detained by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly fishing in waters near Katchatheevu. Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing.