Katchatheevu Issue: A Long-Standing Maritime Dispute Explained for Competitive Exams (2024)

The tiny island of Katchatheevu, located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, has been a source of contention for decades. Understanding this complex issue is crucial for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs, as it frequently appears in current affairs sections. This blog post delves deep into the Katchatheevu issue, providing a historical timeline and analyzing its impact on both nations.A Historical Timeline of the Katchatheevu Dispute:

Pre-Independence: 

• 1875: The British Raj administered Katchatheevu, then under the Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu).
• 1947: India gains independence, inheriting the administrative control of Katchatheevu.
• 1948: Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) claims ownership of Katchatheevu, requesting the Indian Navy not to conduct exercises there without permission.
• 1974: The Indira Gandhi government in India signs a maritime boundary agreement with Sri Lanka, ceding Katchatheevu to the island nation. This decision sparks protests in Tamil Nadu, as many fishermen from the state traditionally fish in the waters around Katchatheevu.
• Post-1974: The issue continues to simmer, with Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu. This has led to tensions between the two countries and economic hardship for Indian fishermen.

Key Points of Analysis:

• Strategic Significance: Katchatheevu's location in the Palk Strait makes it strategically important for both nations. The area is rich in marine resources and could potentially hold oil and gas reserves.
• Impact on Fishermen: The ceding of Katchatheevu has severely impacted the livelihoods of Indian fishermen in Tamil Nadu. Frequent arrests and boat seizures by Sri Lankan authorities disrupt their fishing activities and create economic insecurity.
• Political Issue: The Katchatheevu dispute continues to be a political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, with political parties often raising the issue to garner support.
• Diplomatic Relations: The unresolved dispute strains diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka. Finding a solution that addresses the concerns of both nations is crucial for maintaining cordial ties.

Possible Solutions:

• Review of the Agreement: There have been calls to revisit the 1974 agreement, particularly from Tamil Nadu politicians. However, this could be a complex diplomatic process with no guaranteed outcome.
• Joint Fishing Arrangements: Establishing joint fishing arrangements or designated fishing zones for Indian fishermen could be a potential solution.
• Compensation Mechanism: A framework for compensating Indian fishermen arrested or whose boats are seized by Sri Lankan authorities could alleviate some economic hardship.

Conclusion: The Katchatheevu issue remains a complex challenge with no easy solution. Competitive exam aspirants should be aware of this ongoing maritime dispute and its historical context, strategic significance, and impact on both countries. Understanding potential solutions can also be beneficial for exam preparation. Remember, staying updated on current affairs like the Katchatheevu dispute will give you an edge in your competitive exams.

Sun Apr 7, 2024