A Flashpoint in the Palk Strait – Katchatheevu Dispute

Katchatheevu is a barren, uninhabited island (1.15 sq km) located 33 nautical miles from Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka, in the Palk Strait.
India relinquished its claim over the island in 1974 and 1976 bilateral agreements, recognizing Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
Despite the resolution, political debates in India periodically revive the issue, especially to gain support from Tamil Nadu’s electorate.

Dispute originated in the 1920s during British colonial rule, with both Madras Presidency (India) and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) claiming the island.
Agreements:
- 1974 – Maritime boundary delineated; Katchatheevu awarded to Sri Lanka.
- 1976 – Further bilateral accords reinforcing maritime boundaries.
In return, India secured rights over Wadge Bank near Kanyakumari, a resource-rich area.

The St. Anthony’s Catholic Shrine is the only structure on the island.
Every year, during the St. Anthony’s festival, Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen worship together with visa-free access provided by Sri Lanka.
Basic facilities like toilets and drinking water booths are temporarily set up for pilgrims.

Revival of Katchatheevu issue:
- Used as a political tool in Tamil Nadu elections.
- Parties such as Congress, DMK, AIADMK blame each other for compromising fishermen’s rights.
Key events:
- 2013 – Government informed the Supreme Court that reclaiming Katchatheevu is not feasible.
- 2014 – Attorney-General stated reclaiming the island would require war.
- 2025 – Tamil Nadu Assembly urged Union government to retrieve the island before PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka.
The issue is exploited to garner support without addressing underlying fisheries challenges.

Fisheries Conflict is the core reason behind the political debates:
- Tamil Nadu fishermen heavily depend on the Palk Strait but face declining catches.
- Bottom-trawling, a destructive fishing method, severely damages the marine ecosystem.
- Reduced fish catch on the Indian side forces fishermen to cross into Sri Lankan waters → risk of arrest.
Sri Lankan fishermen’s concerns:
- Livelihoods affected by Indian fishing practices.
- Request Indian counterparts to stop bottom-trawling.

Most arrests happen beyond Katchatheevu, near Sri Lanka’s northern shores.
Political rhetoric around Katchatheevu distracts from addressing overfishing, ecosystem collapse, and livelihood issues.
Both governments are aware of the real problem, but electoral compulsions prevent confronting it.

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