In a surprising turn of events, the Katchatheevu Island issue has once again surfaced in India’s political landscape, courtesy of the ruling party’s strategic revival of a decades-old controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his eloquence and strategic acumen, has seized upon a right to information (RTI) query to launch a scathing attack on the opposition, particularly the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress, accusing them of colluding to relinquish the island to Sri Lanka in the 1974 bilateral agreement.Modi’s vocal stance, echoed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has injected fresh fervor into an otherwise dormant debate, raising eyebrows both domestically and internationally. While the ruling party may view this as a masterstroke to gain political mileage, skeptics argue that it risks undermining India’s diplomatic credibility and stability in the region.
Former diplomats and experts have questioned the practicality and motives behind reopening the Katchatheevu agreement. They highlight the potential fallout, both diplomatically and politically, of such a move, which could set a dangerous precedent for revisiting other international treaties.
The strategic value of Katchatheevu Island itself is under scrutiny, with experts questioning its significance to India. The island, a small uninhabited territory with a derelict church, is seen as holding more historical than strategic value. The 1974 agreement, while conceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, also granted certain rights to Indian fishermen in the region, which were seen as beneficial to India.
India’s recent history of resolving border disputes, such as the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh, underscores the need for a pragmatic approach to such issues. The politicization of the Katchatheevu matter, especially in the context of upcoming elections, raises concerns about the government’s priorities and its impact on India’s foreign relations.
As the Katchatheevu saga unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of international diplomacy. It also highlights the need for political maturity and foresight in dealing with sensitive issues that have far-reaching implications. Only time will tell the true consequences of this political maneuvering, but one thing is certain: the Katchatheevu conundrum is far from over.