| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighborhood, Issue: India-Sri Lanka relations |
Context: Katchatheevu Island issue
Katchatheevu Island:
- Katchatheevu became part of Sri Lanka through an agreement signed in 1974.
- The islet is historically significant for fisher folk from both India and Sri Lanka, hosting an annual festival at St. Anthony’s Church.
- The 1974 agreement faced opposition in the Indian Parliament, leading to debates and walkouts, particularly from Tamil Nadu politicians.
- The issue resurfaced in 1991, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister demanding retrieval.
- The Union government’s stance, as of 2013 and 2022, asserts that Katchatheevu is under Sri Lankan jurisdiction, with no territory ceded by India.
