MEA Remains Neutral Amid Katchatheevu Political Dispute, Jaishankar Provides Clarification

The Ministry of External Affairs opted to abstain from involvement in the ongoing political dispute surrounding Katchatheevu island, as stated by the spokesperson during Thursday’s briefing. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has already addressed all pertinent issues related to the matter in recent media interactions.

The island, situated approximately 20 km from the Indian coastline, fell under Sri Lankan jurisdiction according to agreements signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974 and 1976. The Congress party was in power during this period, under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The recent disclosure by K. Annamalai, the head of BJP in Tamil Nadu, through a Right to Information (RTI) query, seemingly indicating the previous Congress governments’ indifference towards the island, has prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Jaishankar to criticize the Congress and the DMK for their handling of the issue.

During the weekly media briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal faced inquiries regarding Katchatheevu island. In response, Jaiswal directed attention to the clarifications provided by Minister Jaishankar in his press engagements in Delhi and Gujarat.

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Questions were raised concerning the actions taken by the current BJP-led government over the past decade regarding the issue and whether it has been raised with Sri Lanka. Additionally, inquiries were made regarding India’s response to statements made by Sri Lankan leaders asserting their country’s position on Katchatheevu island.

Jaiswal reiterated that all queries had been addressed by the minister in his press interactions in Delhi and Gujarat. The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently maintained its position, as evidenced by responses to questions in Parliament, submissions to the Supreme Court, and replies to RTI queries in recent years, emphasizing that Katchatheevu island is situated within Sri Lankan maritime boundaries as delineated in the 1974 agreement, which did not involve any acquisition or cession of Indian territory.

India’s stance on the matter has prompted calls within Sri Lankan political circles for a response from the government in Colombo. Furthermore, a prominent Sri Lankan think tank has advocated for the establishment of a marine research station on Katchatheevu island.