<h4>Introduction to Katchatheevu Island</h4><p><strong>Katchatheevu</strong> is a small, uninhabited island located in the <strong>Palk Strait</strong>. This geographical feature lies strategically between the nations of <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Sri Lanka</strong>, making it a point of historical and ongoing contention.</p><p>The island's status has been a significant factor in the complex bilateral relations between the two South Asian neighbours, particularly impacting fishing communities.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Geographical Facts:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Area:</strong> Approximately <strong>285 acres</strong></li><li><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Palk Strait</strong>, northeast of <strong>Rameswaram</strong>, India</li><li><strong>Distance from Indian Coast:</strong> Approximately <strong>33 km</strong></li><li><strong>Distance from Sri Lankan Coast:</strong> Approximately <strong>62 km</strong> southwest of <strong>Jaffna</strong></li></ul></div><h4>Origins of the Katchatheevu Dispute</h4><p>The dispute over <strong>Katchatheevu</strong> primarily revolves around its historical ownership and the traditional fishing rights associated with it. Both India and Sri Lanka laid claim to the island post-independence, leading to prolonged negotiations.</p><p>The contention became particularly acute due to the livelihood of fishermen from <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong>, India, who traditionally fished in the waters around the island for centuries.</p><h4>Key Agreements and Cession</h4><p>The ownership of <strong>Katchatheevu</strong> was settled through two significant agreements between India and Sri Lanka in <strong>1974</strong> and <strong>1976</strong>. These agreements aimed to demarcate the <strong>International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)</strong> in the <strong>Palk Strait</strong>.</p><p>Under these accords, India formally ceded the island to <strong>Sri Lanka</strong>. However, the conditions and implications of this cession, especially regarding fishing rights, continue to be debated.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The core of the <strong>Katchatheevu dispute</strong> is the perceived loss of traditional fishing grounds for Indian fishermen and the subsequent challenges they face, including arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.</p></div><h4>Impact on Fishermen's Livelihoods</h4><p>The cession of <strong>Katchatheevu</strong> and the demarcation of the <strong>IMBL</strong> significantly impacted the fishing communities, particularly those from <strong>Rameswaram</strong> and other coastal areas of <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong>. Their traditional fishing grounds were now deemed Sri Lankan territory.</p><p>This situation has led to frequent instances of Indian fishermen being apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the <strong>IMBL</strong>, resulting in diplomatic tensions.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the <strong>Katchatheevu dispute</strong> is crucial for UPSC as it touches upon <strong>India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations</strong>, <strong>maritime boundary issues</strong>, <strong>fisheries management</strong>, and <strong>federalism (Centre-State relations)</strong>, particularly concerning <strong>Tamil Nadu's</strong> political landscape. It is often a topic in <strong>GS Paper II (International Relations)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper III (Internal Security/Economy)</strong>.</p></div>