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Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of tension between India and Sri Lanka in relation to the Katchatheevu Island?
What is the primary source of tension between India and Sri Lanka in relation to the Katchatheevu Island?
Which international convention provides guidelines for determining maritime boundaries and rights of fishermen in international waters?
Which international convention provides guidelines for determining maritime boundaries and rights of fishermen in international waters?
How has the decision to cede Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 impacted India?
How has the decision to cede Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 impacted India?
How has the Katchatheevu Island dispute been used as a political tool in Tamil Nadu?
How has the Katchatheevu Island dispute been used as a political tool in Tamil Nadu?
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What has been a common criticism of the 1974 agreement between India and Sri Lanka regarding Katchatheevu Island?
What has been a common criticism of the 1974 agreement between India and Sri Lanka regarding Katchatheevu Island?
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What was the primary reason behind the Katchatheevu Island dispute between India and Sri Lanka?
What was the primary reason behind the Katchatheevu Island dispute between India and Sri Lanka?
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What aspect of the Katchatheevu Island dispute was left unresolved after India ceded the island to Sri Lanka in 1974?
What aspect of the Katchatheevu Island dispute was left unresolved after India ceded the island to Sri Lanka in 1974?
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In 1974, how did the Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, resolve the Katchatheevu Island dispute with Sri Lanka?
In 1974, how did the Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, resolve the Katchatheevu Island dispute with Sri Lanka?
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What critical aspect of the Katchatheevu Island dispute continued to cause tensions between India and Sri Lanka even after 1974?
What critical aspect of the Katchatheevu Island dispute continued to cause tensions between India and Sri Lanka even after 1974?
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What was the significance of India ceding Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 from a diplomatic perspective?
What was the significance of India ceding Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 from a diplomatic perspective?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Explore the history and complexities of the Katchatheevu Island dispute between India and Sri Lanka, focusing on maritime boundary disputes, India-Sri Lanka relations, and international law implications. Learn about the impact on fishermen, political dynamics, and the application of international laws.
