On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs addressed multiple inquiries concerning the Katchatheevu island. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the statements previously made by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, contributing a decisive perspective to India’s stance in this matter.
During a press briefing, the MEA spokesperson provided detailed responses to questions about Sri Lanka’s position and the inconsistencies in RTI replies. Reaffirming the Foreign Minister's former discussions with the press in Delhi and Gujarat, he urged the public to review those conferences for comprehensive answers.
Foreign Minister's Pronouncements
Post Prime Minister Modi’s conference, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed in a press meet that due to the indifference shown by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government, the 285-acre island fell into the hands of Sri Lanka. He accused the Congress administrations of trivializing and neglecting the island.
What Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Said
According to a Reuters report, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry commented during an interview with local TV channel Hiru, 'This is an issue that was discussed and settled 50 years ago, there is no need to negotiate further.'
Sri Lankan Navy Guards Katchatheevu Island
Tucked between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, Katchatheevu island connects the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea. A contingent of the Sri Lankan Navy is entrusted with the protection of the 285-acre island, including the maritime areas and St. Anthony’s Church situated there.
In a landmark maritime boundary agreement with Sri Lanka in 1974, the Indian government ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. This agreement paved the way for settling maritime boundaries and other longstanding disputes with Sri Lanka.
A subsequent accord between India and Sri Lanka in 1976 granted India rights over the Vadge Bank and its resources. Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister, oversaw this agreement between the governments of India and Sri Lanka.
