Katchatheevu Island holds strategic significance, serving as a symbol of India’s evolving geopolitical stance in the Indian Ocean region. Beyond its physical borders, India’s approach to islands reflects a broader strategy of asserting influence in maritime domains. This extends to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and engaging in multilateral partnerships to safeguard regional stability. As India navigates complex geopolitical waters, its treatment of islands like Katchatheevu offers insight into its emerging role as a key player in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific.
Tag: GS-2 IR
In News: The review of Indian foreign policy over the past decade highlights the growing importance of island states and territories across the South Pacific to the African coast. Specifically, the Katchatheevu island stands out as a crucial focal point in India’s evolving strategic landscape.
Katchatheevu Islands Overview
- The Katchatheevu Islands consist of two uninhabited islands situated in the Palk Strait, positioned between India’s Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s northern coast.
- Historically significant due to their strategic location and their role in facilitating fishing activities for both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.
Fishermen Dispute
- Ownership disagreements over Katchatheevu have resulted in conflicts, especially concerning fishing rights in the surrounding waters.
- Fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been particularly affected, as they claim traditional fishing rights in the area.
- The ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka has led to restrictions on Indian fishermen accessing their traditional fishing grounds, resulting in numerous conflicts and arrests by Sri Lankan authorities.
Political and Legal Stand
- There has been criticism in India over the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, with raised legal challenges regarding the validity of the agreements governing the island’s sovereignty.
- The issue of Katchatheevu has been used politically in India to criticize the government’s stance on the matter.
Bilateral Efforts
- Despite the contentious nature of the issue, both India and Sri Lanka have engaged in bilateral discussions to address the concerns of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
- Various proposals, such as joint patrolling and fishing zones, have been suggested to resolve the issue amicably.
Evolution of India-Sri Lanka Relations
- Historically, disputes persisted until the signing of the 1974 Agreement on the Boundary in Historic Waters between India and Sri Lanka.
- The agreement guaranteed Indian fishermen access to Katchatheevu without requiring travel documents, ensuring continued fishing activities for them.
Significance for Indian Fishermen
- The agreement safeguards the fishing rights of Indian fishermen, who depend on the waters around Katchatheevu for their livelihoods.
- Access to Katchatheevu remains integral for their economic sustenance and traditional way of life.
Strategic Importance
- Katchatheevu’s strategic location in the Palk Strait is crucial for monitoring maritime activities and movements in the region.
- Control over the island provides India with leverage in ensuring maritime security and safeguarding its interests.
Economic Relevance
- The waters surrounding Katchatheevu are rich in marine resources, including fish and seafood, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
- Commercial activities such as fishing, aquaculture, and tourism could be further developed, boosting economic growth in the region.
Historical and Cultural Ties
- Katchatheevu holds historical and cultural significance for Tamil communities in India and Sri Lanka, with claims of traditional fishing rights dating back centuries.
- It is associated with legends and folklore, embodying the cultural heritage of the region.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
- The issue of Katchatheevu has broader implications for India-Sri Lanka relations and raises questions about the application of international law concerning territorial sovereignty and maritime boundaries.
- It impacts India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the region, necessitating diplomatic dialogue and cooperation.
Humanitarian Considerations
- Concerns over the arrests and harassment of Indian fishermen highlight the humanitarian aspect of the issue.
- Resolving the Katchatheevu dispute is crucial from a humanitarian perspective to ensure the welfare and safety of fishermen and their families.
Security and Anti-Smuggling Operations
- Katchatheevu’s proximity to the Indian coast makes it susceptible to smuggling activities, including arms, drugs, and contraband.
- Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka is essential to prevent and combat smuggling threats, ensuring regional security and stability.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2009)Q. Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (a) Bangladesh (b) India (c) Nepal (d) Sri Lanka Ans: (d) Mains (2013)Q2. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. Mains (2022)Q3. ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. |
Source: IE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of Katchatheevu in India’s geopolitics?
Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island, holds immense strategic importance due to its location in the Palk Strait, acting as a maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka. Its control affects fishing rights, maritime security, and regional geopolitics.
Q: Why is the ownership of Katchatheevu contested?
Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974 through a bilateral agreement, leading to disputes over fishing rights and sovereignty. Some argue that the transfer was unconstitutional, sparking ongoing debates and legal challenges.
Q: How does the ownership of Katchatheevu impact India-Sri Lanka relations?
The ownership of Katchatheevu is a sensitive issue in India-Sri Lanka relations, affecting fishing communities, maritime boundaries, and bilateral trust. Disputes over the island have periodically strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Q: What are the broader implications of India’s new geopolitics concerning islands?
India’s focus on islands extends beyond Katchatheevu, encompassing its broader maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean region. It involves enhancing naval capabilities, strengthening alliances, and asserting sovereignty to counter regional geopolitical challenges.
Q: How does India’s approach to islands align with its geopolitical ambitions?
India’s emphasis on islands aligns with its aspirations for greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region. By fortifying its presence on strategically located islands, India aims to safeguard maritime interests, counter Chinese influence, and assert itself as a key player in regional geopolitics.
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