Katchatheevu Island

Katchatheevu Island is a small, uninhabited landmass located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The island, covering an area of approximately 285 acres, has long been a subject of diplomatic and legal contention between the two nations due to its strategic location and the rich fishing grounds surrounding it. Historically tied to the region of Tamil Nadu in India and the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka, Katchatheevu represents a complex intersection of colonial history, maritime boundaries, and fishermen’s livelihoods.

Geographical and Historical Background

Katchatheevu lies about 33 kilometres northeast of Rameswaram in India and around 19 kilometres southwest of Delft Island in Sri Lanka. It is of volcanic origin, mostly flat, and devoid of any permanent human settlement. The island features a single notable structure—St. Anthony’s Church—which has become a site of annual religious pilgrimage for both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.
The historical ownership of Katchatheevu can be traced back to the medieval period when it was under the control of the Ramnad Zamindars of Tamil Nadu. Over the centuries, its possession shifted among regional powers and colonial administrations. During the British colonial period, the boundary between the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was never clearly demarcated in the Palk Strait, leaving Katchatheevu’s ownership ambiguous.
Following India’s independence in 1947 and Ceylon’s independence in 1948, the lack of a defined maritime boundary began to create disputes, especially as fishermen from both sides regularly accessed the island and surrounding waters.

The 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Boundary Agreement

The question of sovereignty over Katchatheevu was formally addressed in 1974 through the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Boundary Agreement, under which India recognised Katchatheevu as part of Sri Lanka. This agreement was justified by the Indian government as a pragmatic step to settle long-standing maritime boundary issues and promote bilateral relations. A follow-up agreement in 1976 further delineated fishing zones and exclusive economic rights between the two countries.
According to the 1974 treaty, Indian fishermen were allowed access to Katchatheevu for purposes of rest, drying nets, and attending the annual St. Anthony’s Church festival, though without fishing rights in Sri Lankan territorial waters. However, these terms later became contentious as Sri Lankan authorities began strictly enforcing maritime limits, leading to frequent arrests of Indian fishermen who entered the waters around the island.

Legal and Political Controversies

Katchatheevu has remained a politically sensitive issue in India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. Successive Tamil Nadu governments have argued that the 1974 agreement was unconstitutional, asserting that Indian territory cannot be ceded without parliamentary approval. The matter has been repeatedly raised in the Indian Parliament and has also reached the Supreme Court of India through various petitions demanding the retrieval of the island.
Critics of the 1974 agreement contend that the cession adversely affected thousands of Indian fishermen who depend on the Palk Strait for their livelihood. They argue that the traditional fishing routes of Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities pre-date modern boundary demarcations and therefore should be respected under customary rights.
The Government of India, however, maintains that Katchatheevu was never Indian territory in the strict legal sense but a disputed area clarified under international law through mutual agreement. It argues that re-opening the issue could damage bilateral relations and hinder regional stability.

Fishing Rights and Humanitarian Concerns

The waters around Katchatheevu are rich in marine life and have long supported fishing communities from both countries. The lack of clear access rights has led to numerous incidents of Indian fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing into their maritime boundary. These recurring detentions have caused economic hardship and have often provoked diplomatic tensions.
Efforts have been made through bilateral mechanisms such as the India–Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries to resolve these issues. Proposals include joint fishing arrangements, regulated fishing days, and improved coordination to prevent arrests. However, these discussions have not produced a long-term solution, and incidents continue to occur periodically.
The annual St. Anthony’s Church festival held on the island remains one of the few enduring symbols of shared cultural heritage between the two countries. Both Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims attend the event, symbolising religious unity and the continuing human link that transcends political boundaries.

Strategic and Environmental Significance

Although small, Katchatheevu holds strategic importance in the Palk Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Bay of Bengal with the Gulf of Mannar. Control over the island affects maritime surveillance, coastal security, and navigation rights in the region. It also serves as a reference point for the delineation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) between India and Sri Lanka.
Environmentally, the island is part of a fragile marine ecosystem that includes coral reefs and seagrass beds supporting diverse fish populations. Overfishing and unregulated trawling in nearby waters have contributed to ecological degradation, making sustainable fisheries management an urgent need.

Contemporary Developments

In recent years, political calls for the retrieval of Katchatheevu have resurfaced periodically in Tamil Nadu, especially during election campaigns. Successive Indian governments have reiterated that no new negotiation over the island’s sovereignty is under consideration, emphasising the importance of respecting existing international agreements.
Simultaneously, both countries have explored cooperative mechanisms to mitigate fishermen’s distress, including the promotion of deep-sea fishing as an alternative to traditional nearshore methods. Diplomatic engagement continues to focus on humanitarian approaches rather than territorial revision.

Cultural and Symbolic Relevance

Beyond the political debate, Katchatheevu symbolises shared history, culture, and faith between the people of southern India and northern Sri Lanka. The St. Anthony’s Church, built during the early 20th century, continues to attract thousands of devotees from both sides. This cultural connection underscores the deep-rooted social ties that persist despite modern geopolitical boundaries.