Katchatheevu Island Dispute and Status

#GS-2 #Current Events #International #Economy #Infrastructure

Why in News

A Sri Lankan MP named Rauff Hakeem recently visited Chennai on a goodwill trip.
He stated that the ownership of Katchatheevu Island is a completely resolved issue.
He based his statement on international law and past bilateral treaties between India and Sri Lanka.

Katchatheevu is a tiny, empty, and contested island located in the sea between India and Sri Lanka.
It has long been a center of debate regarding maritime borders and fishing rights for both nations.
Indian zamindaris and fishermen historically claimed the island for years.
India officially accepted Sri Lankan ownership of the land through maritime agreements signed in the mid-1970s.

The island sits in the Palk Strait, which is a narrow water body dividing Tamil Nadu in India from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
The islet lies strictly on the Sri Lankan side of the official International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Fishermen from both countries traditionally used the surrounding waters to catch fish and dry their nets together.
The Indian central government signed pacts with Sri Lanka between 1974 and 1976 to fix maritime borders.
These treaties formally recognized Sri Lankan control over Katchatheevu based on global legal standards.
Modern international law states that neither nation can change the island status alone.
Any fresh review of the situation requires taking the matter to the United Nations.

The land has no permanent civilian residents and lacks natural drinking water supplies.
Because of this, long-term human living is not possible on the island.
It features the historic St. Antony's Church, which serves as an important spiritual center.
The church organizes a popular annual two-day festival for devotees.
Indian citizens do not need a passport or visa to attend this yearly pilgrimage.
The Sri Lankan Navy and local fishermen warmly greet and help Indian visitors during the event.
The surrounding sea has a rich marine life and vibrant ecosystems.
However, these waters suffer from ecological damage caused by illegal fishing gear and destructive trawling.