The Katchatheevu Island row centers around a 1.9 square km island located in the Palk Strait, situated between India and Sri Lanka. Here are the key points:
Historical Background
- The island was formed from volcanic lava in the 14th century.
- It was initially occupied by the Jaffna Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
- Control later passed to the Ramnad Zamindari in the 17th century.
- India and Sri Lanka both claimed Katchatheevu due to its fish-rich waters.
1974 Agreement:
- In 1974, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan - territory under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.
- India hoped this move would strengthen relations with Sri Lanka.
- However, fishing rights were not clearly defined in the agreement.
Controversy:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress for relinquishing control of the island.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that over the past two decades, 6,184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka, and 1,175 fishing vessels seized.