Why in News: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s April 2025 visit to Colombo, India and Sri Lanka revisited long-standing issues of the Palk Strait fisheries conflict and Katchatheevu sovereignty, with emphasis on a “humane approach” balancing fishermen’s livelihoods and marine conservation.
Introduction
- India has historically promoted peace and regional interdependence through Panchsheel, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), SAARC, and, most recently, the “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- However, its unresolved maritime issues with Sri Lanka — particularly the fisheries crisis in the Palk Strait and sovereignty concerns over Katchatheevu — continue to pose challenges.
- These disputes not only affect bilateral diplomacy but also impact livelihoods, ecology, and community relations.
Background of the Dispute
- Palk Strait & Fisheries Issue: Shared waters historically used by Tamil Nadu’s and Northern Sri Lanka’s fishing communities. Conflict escalated with mechanised Indian trawlers entering Sri Lankan waters.
- Katchatheevu Island Issue: A 285-acre uninhabited islet, formally ceded to Sri Lanka under the 1974 India–Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Agreement.
- Recent Developments: During PM Modi’s 2025 visit to Colombo, a “humane approach” was proposed to balance livelihoods with ecological sustainability.
Fisheries Dispute: Livelihood vs Conservation
1. Mechanised Bottom Trawling:
- Indian trawlers engage in destructive practices banned under Sri Lankan law since 2017.
- Violates UNCLOS norms and FAO Code of Conduct (1995).
- Causes coral reef destruction, shrimp habitat loss, and depletion of fish stocks.
2. Impact on Artisanal Fishers:
- Tamil Nadu’s traditional fishers, using sustainable methods, face resource depletion by trawlers.
- Forced into contested waters, resulting in arrests and tensions.
- Conflict not only India–Sri Lanka but also intra-Tamil communities (artisanal vs trawler operators).
3. Humanitarian Sensitivity:
- Northern Sri Lankan Tamil fishers lost decades of livelihood during the civil war due to military restrictions.
- They should be treated as fellow victims, not adversaries.
Katchatheevu Dispute: Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions
1. Legal Status:
- 1974 India–Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Treaty placed Katchatheevu under Sri Lanka.
- Boundary treaties are binding under international law (pacta sunt servanda).
Precedents:
- Minquiers & Ecrehos Case (1953): Administrative control outweighs historic claims.
- Rann of Kutch Arbitration (1968): Similar arbitration upheld treaty sanctity.
2. Myth-Busting:
- Claim that “Indira Gandhi gifted” Katchatheevu is inaccurate. Historic evidence showed Sri Lankan administrative jurisdiction since colonial times.
3. Fishing Rights Distinct from Sovereignty:
- Treaty allows pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Church festival.
- Fishing rights are subject to bilateral negotiation, not territorial sovereignty.
Way Forward: Policy Options
1. Diplomatic & Legal Mechanisms
- Maintain treaty sanctity to preserve international credibility.
- Engage under UNCLOS Article 123 (cooperation in semi-enclosed seas).
- Institutionalise joint management bodies for fisheries and marine ecology.
2. Livelihood Security
- Distinguish between artisanal fishers and trawler operators.
- Provide regulated access/quota systems (seasonal fishing rights, rotational access).
- Encourage community-level dialogue between Indian and Sri Lankan fisher associations.
3. Ecological Sustainability
- Promote deep-sea fishing in India’s EEZ to reduce pressure on near-shore resources.
- Establish a joint marine research station on Katchatheevu for monitoring biodiversity.
- Sensitisation campaigns against bottom trawling, supported by Tamil media and local leaders.
4. People-to-People Ties
- Highlight Tamil Nadu’s historic compassion for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.
- Use cultural and religious ties (pilgrimages, festivals) as confidence-building measures.
5. Regional Cooperation Models
Replicate successful models such as:
- Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention: Shared quotas among multiple states.
- Indo-Bangladesh river cooperation: Example of resolving livelihood disputes through dialogue.
Challenges Ahead
- Populist Politics: Domestic rhetoric often overshadows pragmatic solutions.
- Enforcement Issues: Difficult to monitor thousands of small vessels in shared waters.
- Ecological Crisis: Declining fish stocks may aggravate conflicts unless urgent reforms are undertaken.
Conclusion
The Katchatheevu issue is legally settled and should no longer cloud India–Sri Lanka ties. The real challenge lies in the Palk Strait fisheries dispute, where the balance between livelihood and conservation is critical. By respecting treaty obligations, prioritising artisanal fishers, promoting ecological sustainability, and investing in deep-sea alternatives, India and Sri Lanka can transform a contentious issue into a model of cooperation.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations): India–Sri Lanka relations; neighbourhood diplomacy; treaty obligations; maritime boundary issues.
GS Paper III (Environment & Economy): Marine ecology, sustainable fisheries, livelihood vs conservation debate.
Mains Practice Question
Q. The Katchatheevu issue is legally settled, yet the fisheries conflict in the Palk Strait continues to strain India–Sri Lanka relations. Discuss the challenges involved and suggest measures to reconcile livelihood concerns with ecological sustainability. (250 words).
