With Katchatheevu back in the political spotlight, old questions resurface—was it legally India’s to give away, and can it still be reclaimed?
Background: What Is the Katchatheevu Island Dispute?
Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The territorial dispute dates back to the colonial era, but it became a hot political issue in 1974 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, formally recognizing the island as Sri Lankan territory.
The Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement, signed on 26 June 1974, drew maritime boundaries that effectively ceded control of the island to Sri Lanka. This move has been consistently challenged, especially by political parties in Tamil Nadu, where the island holds emotional and strategic importance.
Why Is It Back in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka has revived interest in the issue. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Amit Shah, have criticised the Congress for giving away Indian land without Parliamentary approval.
- The issue has been framed as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.
- BJP alleges the 1974 deal lacked transparency and bypassed constitutional norms.
- AIADMK and DMK in Tamil Nadu have also been vocal in the past, but positions often shift depending on political alliances.
Legal and Constitutional Questions
One of the most debated aspects is whether the Government of India had the authority to cede territory without a constitutional amendment. In the Berubari Union case (1960), the Supreme Court had clarified that ceding Indian territory would require a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
However, in the case of Katchatheevu, no such amendment was made. Critics argue this renders the 1974 agreement legally questionable.
How It Affects Tamil Nadu Fishermen
While uninhabited, the island has significant cultural and economic value:
- It houses St. Anthony’s Church, where an annual pilgrimage is held, attended by both Indian and Sri Lankan Christians.
- More crucially, the surrounding waters are rich in fish, and Indian fishermen often get arrested for crossing maritime boundaries.
For Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities, Katchatheevu is more than a rock—it’s a matter of livelihood and religious tradition.
Can India Reclaim Katchatheevu Today?
Legally, it’s a complex question. Reclaiming it would require:
- Bilateral renegotiation with Sri Lanka
- Possibly going to the International Court of Justice
- Domestic legal backing including a constitutional amendment
However, reopening the issue now could affect India–Sri Lanka relations, especially at a time when New Delhi is trying to counter China’s influence in the region.
Political Impact Ahead of Elections
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, the issue is being seen through a political lens as well:
- BJP may use it to target the Congress’s foreign policy legacy.
- Opposition parties may highlight current maritime tensions and call for better diplomatic handling.
Either way, Katchatheevu has returned as a symbolic and strategic flashpoint in India’s political discourse.
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Katchatheevu Island Dispute, PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka, Indira Gandhi’s Sri Lanka Agreement of 1974, Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Issue, India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary
