Katchatheevu Island Issue
Published on 28 Mar 2025
- PM Modi recently mentioned Katchatheevu Island.
- In 1974, India ‘recognized’ Sri Lanka’s ownership of the 285-acre (1.15-sq km) of the island under the ‘Agreement on the boundary in Historic Waters between the two countries and Related Matters.’
- Since then, Indian fishermen have only been allowed “access” to the island during a festival of St. Antony’s Church at Katchatheevu.
- Sri Lankan navy tightened surveillance of its
northern maritime boundary to halt a potential
return of Tamil insurgents and also stop the
trespassing Indian fishermen, leading to
many arrests.
