External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation against the Opposition regarding the Katchatheevu island row, stating that Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister, wanted to give away the island to Sri Lanka. This contentious issue has been brought back into the spotlight following a recent media report based on a RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on the 1974 pact.
In 1974, during the tenure of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, the Indian government accepted Katchatheevu island as a Sri Lankan area under the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime agreement. This decision was met with criticism, especially after a media report shared a statement by late DMK MP Era Sezhiyan expressing discontent with the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Agreement. Sezhiyan referred to the agreement as “an unholy agreement,” sparking renewed debate and scrutiny.
Addressing the media, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the historical context of the issue, shedding light on the sentiments expressed by past leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi regarding the island’s significance. He quoted former External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh’s 1974 address in Parliament, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding fishing rights, pilgrimage, and navigation in the region.
However, Dr. Jaishankar pointed out a significant shift in India’s stance within a short span of time. He mentioned another agreement between India and Sri Lanka in less than two years, wherein India proposed restrictions on fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters. This change in approach, from assuring fishing rights to imposing restrictions, has been a point of contention, especially for Tamil Nadu fishermen who have faced harassment from Sri Lankan authorities.
The External Affairs Minister underscored the consequences of these agreements, citing statistics on the detention of Indian fishermen and seizure of fishing vessels by Sri Lanka over the past two decades. This data highlights the human and economic toll of the Katchatheevu issue, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and impacting bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the ongoing efforts to address the Katchatheevu issue, noting that it has been a subject of discussion in Parliament and correspondence with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the need for a resolution to this longstanding issue, acknowledging its significance for the affected communities and the broader diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Overall, Dr. Jaishankar’s statements reflect the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the Katchatheevu island row, underscoring the importance of historical context, diplomatic engagement, and proactive measures to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved. As the debate continues, it remains imperative for both India and Sri Lanka to navigate this issue with diligence and empathy to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial resolution.
