Katchatheevu Island Dispute: Maritime Boundary Disputes Explained

Katchatheevu Island Dispute: Maritime Boundary Disputes, India-Sri Lanka Relations, and International Law Implications

Background

The Katchatheevu Island, a tiny, uninhabited volcanic speck in the Palk Strait, has become a hot button issue between India and Sri Lanka. The island, which lies northeast of Rameswaram and about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, has a long history of maritime boundary disputes that have affected fishermen from both countries. This article delves into the Katchatheevu Island dispute, focusing on the subtopics of maritime boundary disputes, India-Sri Lanka relations, and international law implications.

Maritime Boundary Disputes

The Katchatheevu Island dispute began in 1921 when both British colonies, India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), claimed the island as part of their respective territories. The dispute revolved around fishing rights in the waters surrounding the island. Over the years, the dispute continued to escalate, with both sides laying claim to the island and its surrounding waters.

In 1974, the Indian government, headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, settled the dispute by ceding the island to Sri Lanka. This decision was made to deepen India's ties with Sri Lanka and was seen as a friendly gesture. However, the agreement did not address the issue of fishing rights, leading to further disputes between the two countries.

Since then, the Katchatheevu Island has remained a source of tension between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to fishing rights. The Sri Lankan government maintains that the island falls under its jurisdiction, while India seeks to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu's fishermen, who have traditionally used the waters surrounding the island for fishing.

India-Sri Lanka Relations

The Katchatheevu Island dispute has had a significant impact on India-Sri Lanka relations. The decision to cede the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 has been a contentious issue in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the fishermen community has been affected by the restrictions on fishing in the area.

The dispute has also been used as a political tool by various parties in both countries. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP has used the issue to garner votes in the state's elections, while the DMK has defended the decision to cede the island, arguing that it was made in the interest of maintaining peace between India and Sri Lanka.

International Law Implications

The Katchatheevu Island dispute raises several issues related to international law, particularly with regard to maritime boundaries and the rights of fishermen. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides guidelines for the determination of maritime boundaries and the rights of fishermen in international waters.

In the case of the Katchatheevu Island, the dispute arises from the fact that the island lies at the edge of the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of both India and Sri Lanka. This has resulted in disputes over fishing rights and the jurisdiction of the island. The agreement signed between India and Sri Lanka in 1974 has been criticized for not adequately addressing these issues.

The Katchatheevu Island dispute is a complex issue that involves maritime boundary disputes, India-Sri Lanka relations, and international law implications. As tensions continue to rise over fishing rights and jurisdiction, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate this dispute and maintain peace in the region.