The Katchatheevu island, situated between India and Sri Lanka, has been a subject of contention for decades. In the 1970s, an agreement was reached between the two nations regarding the island’s ownership and associated maritime boundaries.
Good Faith Diplomacy:
Former diplomats from both India and Sri Lanka have affirmed that the agreement concerning Katchatheevu was forged in good faith. This agreement, reached in the 1970s, was perceived as a give-and-take situation where both sides compromised to settle the maritime boundary dispute.
Delhi’s Access to Wadge Bank:
Indian diplomats highlight that one of the significant outcomes of the agreement was India’s access to Wadge Bank, a resource-rich area. This access was crucial for India’s strategic and economic interests, showcasing the diplomatic success of the negotiations.
Former Indian High Commissioner’s Perspective:
Ashok Kantha, a former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, emphasized the significance of the 1974 and 1976 agreements. He stated that while Katchatheevu was placed under Sri Lankan jurisdiction, the agreement also recognized India’s sovereignty over Wadge Bank and its resources. This recognition paved the way for clarifying maritime boundaries and strengthening bilateral ties.
Complex Negotiations and Settlement:
Negotiating maritime boundaries involves complex give-and-take dynamics. Kantha highlighted that while not every demand could be met, the settlement provided clarity on various aspects, including fishing activities and hydrocarbon exploration. The continuity and consistency in India’s stance regarding these agreements underscore their importance in maintaining strong bilateral relations.
India-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1976:
The 1976 agreement solidified India’s sovereign rights over Wadge Bank, situated within its exclusive economic zone. This recognition granted India control over the area’s resources, including fisheries. Initially, Sri Lankan fishing vessels were permitted limited access to Wadge Bank under Indian licensing. However, this provision ceased after three years, marking a significant advantage for India.
Beneficial Outcome for India:
The agreement regarding Wadge Bank is widely regarded as favorable for India. It secured sovereign rights over a significant maritime area, rich in biodiversity and fisheries resources. This diplomatic achievement strengthened India’s position in the region.
Distinct Issues:
Former Indian diplomats stress the importance of distinguishing between issues related to Katchatheevu and incidents involving fishermen. While Katchatheevu was part of a diplomatic settlement, incidents of fishermen being caught and detained occur in different areas. Therefore, conflating the two issues is considered inaccurate.
Conclusion: The Katchatheevu island issue reflects the complexities of diplomatic negotiations between India and Sri Lanka. The agreements reached in the 1970s, particularly regarding Wadge Bank, demonstrate the significance of diplomatic efforts in resolving territorial disputes. Despite challenges, these agreements have contributed to maintaining peace and stability in the region while safeguarding each country’s interests.
