| PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (UPSC CSE 2013) |
Note4Students:
Prelims: Places in News; India and Sri Lanka;
Mains: Bilateral Issues; India and Sri-Lanka;
Mentor comments: India and Sri Lanka both are close neighbors with historical, political, social, and religious similarities. Simultaneously, both are in disputes on certain issues. The Katchatheevu issue is a long-standing dispute between India and Sri Lanka regarding the ownership and use of the Katchatheevu Island, which is strategically located in the Palk Strait. The island was historically owned by the Ramanad Kingdom of Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu before Indian independence. In 1974, India recognized Sri Lanka’s ownership of the island under a conditional agreement, which has been a point of contention, especially for Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu. We need to discuss this issue as the central government has attempted to address these issues, but the dispute remains unresolved.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
In a Public meeting, Tamil fishermen criticized the ceding of Katchatheevu Island. They highlighted the Indian fishermen being shot by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Background Story:
- Despite the historical claims and disputes, the Katchatheevu issue was formally addressed in 1974 when India signed an agreement to demarcate the boundaries, leading to the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
- This decision has been a point of contention as follows:
- Tamil Nadu’s perspective: The root cause of the problem is a conflict of interests. On the one side are the two governments which do not want to reopen the issue of Katchatheevu.
- Indian fishermen’s perspective: The Indian fishermen will not easily give up a means of livelihood that they have enjoyed for several years.
| Two interrelated issues for India and Sri Lanka should be kept in mind: Sanctity of Bilateral Agreements: The unilateral scrapping of a bilateral agreement will have profound consequences not only on India-Sri Lanka relations but also with several of India’s other neighboring countries. Bilateral agreements have their sanctity and cannot be scrapped based on the whims and fancies of every party in power. Siamese Twin Game: The Centre should be urged to take immediate steps to ensure the livelihood of fishermen on both sides of the Palk Strait. It would be unwise to attempt to create a Berlin Wall in the Palk Strait. What afflicts one will affect the other. |
The Quest for a Peaceful Solution:
To solve this present issue there are two solutions:
- Firstly, getting back to the island of Katchatheevu on lease in perpetuity (Tin Bigha) in reverse. India could use the island and the surrounding waters for fishing. However, this can uphold the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
- Secondly, to allow Indian fishermen to fish in Sri Lankan waters up to 5nm. There was a precedent to this. Under the 1976 Agreement, Sri Lankan fishermen were permitted to fish near the Wadge Bank, near Kanniyakumari, for 3 years.
- While the TN regional governments accepted these suggestions, the greatest obstacle was the Centre refusing to reopen the issue.
Introduction of ‘Trawling’:
- Bottom trawling is a fishing method that involves scouring the sea bed for fish, pulling in a variety of marine life, including coral and seaweed.
- This method of fishing destroys spawning grounds and the marine ecosystem, depleting future catches.
- While it is banned in Sri Lanka, it continues to be practiced in India, causing damage to the sea bed and reducing fish availability on the Indian side of Palk Bay.
- This has led Indian fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters in search of fish, causing conflict with Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen who use traditional forms of fishing.
- India’s image may suffer if Sri Lanka takes the ICJ case against India.
The Need for Bold Decisions:
- Working on the Palk Bay: It can work as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. India can convert contested territory to a common heritage.
- The government of India needs to ban all fishing equipment which are banned in Sri Lanka. Further, we should work to ensure that fishermen can equitably enjoy the rich marine wealth.
- Encourage joint ventures: Both governments need to encourage the Tamil fishermen of both countries to meet, form cooperative societies, and venture into deep-sea fishing.
- Such joint ventures will also help repair the damage Indian fishermen have caused to the livelihood of their Tamil counterparts.
Conclusion: Every challenge provides an opportunity. The problems in Palk Bay can be solved only if we start thinking outside the box.
