Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Agreement involving India, Issue: Agreement on Katchatheevu Island.
Context:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the impact of the Emergency period is still evident in Tamil Nadu and in India-Sri Lanka relations. He criticized Indira Gandhi’s government for failing to safeguard fishermen’s rights in the Palk Strait while finalizing a maritime pact with Sri Lanka.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Context of the Emergency:
- Indira Gandhi’s Rule (1975-1977): The Emergency was declared in India from 1975 to 1977, during which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ruled by decree, suspending many civil liberties and democratic processes.
Island of Katchatheevu:
- Geographical location: Katchatheevu is an uninhabited area in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.
- It is no more than 1.6 km in length and slightly over 300 m wide at its broadest point.
- It lies northeast of Rameswaram, about 33 km from the Indian coast.
- It is about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 km away from the inhabited Delft Island, belonging to Sri Lanka.
Dispute:
- The Island became part of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj.
But in 1921, both India and Sri Lanka, at the time British colonies, claimed Katchatheevu in order to determine fishing boundaries. - A survey marked Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka, but a British delegation from India challenged this, citing ownership of the island by the Ramnad kingdom.
- This dispute was not settled until 1974.
Agreement on Katchatheevu Island:
- Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement of 1974
- In 1974, the then Indian govt under Indira Gandhi made attempts to settle the maritime border between India and Sri Lanka, once and for all.
- As a part of this settlement, known as the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement’, Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka.
- At the time, she thought the island had little strategic value and that ceasing India’s claim over the island would deepen its ties with its southern neighbour.
1974 agreement and fishing rights of Indian fishermen:
- As per the agreement, Indian fishermen were still allowed to access Katchatheevu.
Unfortunately, the issue of fishing rights was not ironed out by the agreement. - Sri Lanka interpreted Indian fishermens’ right to access Katchatheevu to be limited to rest, drying nets and for visit to the Catholic shrine without visa.
1976 agreement:
- Another agreement in 1976, during the period of Emergency in India, barred either country from fishing in the other’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
- Again, Katchatheevu lay right at the edge of the EEZs of either country, retaining a degree of uncertainty with regards to fishing rights.
Tamil Nadu’s position and India stands on Katchatheevu Island:
Conclusion:
Jaishankar’s comments provide critical reflections on India’s political history during the Emergency, highlighting its lasting impact on contemporary issues like fishermen’s rights and diplomatic relations, particularly with Sri Lanka.
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