[Answered] The Katchatheevu and Palk Strait disputes can be symbols of cooperation. Examine the diplomatic and geopolitical challenges in resolving such historical issues to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations.”

Introduction

India–Sri Lanka relations, marked by $7 billion bilateral trade (2024) and centuries-old cultural linkages, face recurring strains over Katchatheevu sovereignty and Palk Strait fisheries, testing diplomacy, livelihood security, and ecological sustainability.

Nature of the Disputes

1. Katchatheevu Issue: 1974 India–Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Treaty placed the uninhabited islet under Sri Lankan sovereignty; Indian fishers retain pilgrimage rights. Political rhetoric often conflates sovereignty with fishing rights.
2. Palk Strait Fisheries Crisis: Mechanised bottom trawling by Tamil Nadu vessels depletes marine resources, damaging Sri Lankan livelihoods. This has escalated into recurring arrests, boat seizures, and community-level tensions.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Challenges

1. Legal Constraints: Pacta sunt servanda principle in international law prohibits unilateral repudiation of boundary treaties. Precedents: Minquiers and Ecrehos case (UK vs France, 1953) and Rann of Kutch arbitration (1968) show administrative control outweighs historical rhetoric. Hence, Katchatheevu retrieval demands are politically emotive but legally untenable.
2. Ecological Pressures: Bottom trawling violates FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995). Coral reef loss and shrimp habitat destruction impact both artisanal fishers and Sri Lanka’s Northern Tamil communities.
3. Livelihood Conflicts: Tamil Nadu’s artisanal fishers vs trawler operators—an intra-community conflict aggravated by resource depletion. Sri Lankan Tamil fishers, already victims of civil war restrictions, view incursions as renewed economic aggression.
4. Geopolitical Dimensions: Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean makes it pivotal for India’s Neighbourhood First and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrines. China’s expanding presence via Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City intensifies New Delhi’s sensitivity to maritime disputes.
5. Domestic Political Pressures: Tamil Nadu politics periodically revives the “retrieval of Katchatheevu” demand, complicating bilateral diplomacy. Populist narratives overshadow technical solutions, risking bilateral trust.

Pathways to Cooperation

1. a) Joint Resource Management: UNCLOS Article 123 mandates cooperation in semi-enclosed seas. Models: Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention where states share quotas; similar mechanisms could regulate fishing days, quotas, and gear restrictions.
2. b) Deep-Sea Fishing Transition: India’s Blue Revolution scheme and financial aid for deep-sea vessels can reduce pressure on Palk Bay. Joint training and technology transfer could enable sustainable alternatives.
3. c) Community Dialogue: Fishermen’s cooperative talks between Tamil Nadu and Northern Province can build empathy. Highlighting shared hardships of Sri Lankan Tamils during the civil war can foster fraternity.
4. d) Institutional Mechanisms: A Joint Fisheries Research Station on Katchatheevu could monitor marine biodiversity. Regular Coast Guard–Navy coordination can prevent accidental escalations.
5. e) Multilevel Diplomacy: Government-to-government channels must respect treaty obligations. State–provincial engagements (Tamil Nadu and Northern Province councils) ensure local concerns are heard.

Conclusion

Maritime diplomacy defines regional stability. Converting Katchatheevu and Palk Strait into cooperation templates can anchor enduring India–Sri Lanka partnership.