Q: Analyse the strategic and socio-economic implications of the Katchatheevu issue in India–Sri Lanka relations. How significant is the recent visit by Sri Lanka’s President in this context?

 Q: Analyse the strategic and socio-economic implications of the Katchatheevu issue in India–Sri Lanka relations. How significant is the recent visit by Sri Lanka’s President in this context?

Answer:

Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, embodies strategic symbolism and socio-economic tensions in India–Sri Lanka relations. Its cession under the 1974 and 1976 agreements settled maritime boundaries legally but left Indian fishermen economically distressed due to restrictions on traditional fishing grounds 

The island’s strategic location makes control over surrounding waters central to maritime security, resource access, and political narratives. Indian fishermen’s repeated arrests have heightened regional tensions and amplified political discourse in Tamil Nadu, influencing diplomatic posture and domestic politics 

President Dissanayake’s unannounced visit on 1 September 2025 signals Sri Lanka’s resolve to assert territorial sovereignty and deter external pressure, reinforcing its legal stance and sending a diplomatic message to India and regional stakeholders. It underscores how small territories can be infused with large geopolitical weight—a critical case study in power dynamics, international law, and national identity.

Resolving the issue demands a balanced and rights-based diplomacy that respects international treaties while addressing the livelihood concerns of fishermen. Cooperative mechanisms—like joint patrolling, shared resource management, and environmental safeguards—can transform a flashpoint into an opportunity for regional collaboration.