The Katchatheevu islet has once again become a topic of heated debate, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Congress and DMK of colluding to cede the island to Sri Lanka. Situated about 25 kilometres northeast of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Katchatheevu came under Sri Lankan control through a 1974 treaty that delineated the maritime boundary line between India and Sri Lanka.
Despite the absence of an official boundary dispute between India and Sri Lanka, Katchatheevu continues to be a contentious issue due to confusion surrounding the access granted to Indian fishermen under the 1974 agreement. While the agreement allows Indian fishermen and pilgrims to visit Katchatheevu without travel documents, it also grants vessels in each other’s waters rights as traditionally enjoyed.
However, another agreement signed in 1976 extended the maritime boundary, leading to ambiguity regarding fishing rights around Katchatheevu. Indian fishermen claim traditional fishing grounds around the island, further complicating the matter.
In addition to the Katchatheevu issue, India and Sri Lanka have also dealt with disputes over Wadge Bank, an undersea plateau south of Kanyakumari. India's sovereignty over Wadge Bank was recognized by Sri Lanka in a 1976 agreement, but issues surrounding fishing rights persist.
The practice of bottom trawling, commonly employed by Indian fishermen, exacerbates tensions between the two countries. Bottom trawling has led to depletion of marine resources and is a major point of contention in negotiations between India and Sri Lanka.
To address the disputes in the region, experts suggest measures such as decommissioning trawlers, promoting deep-sea fishing, and allowing limited access to each other's waters. However, finding a mutually acceptable solution remains challenging, requiring cooperation and commitment from both India and Sri Lanka.
