KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND

Current Context: The President of Sri Lanka recently visited Katchatheevu Island, sparking renewed political debates in India for its return.

ABOUT KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND

• Location: Tiny, uninhabited island in Palk Strait.
  • Northeast of Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram.
  • Southwest of Sri Lanka’s Jaffna.
• Features:
  • Barren, no drinking water or sanitation.
  • Only structure: Anthony’s Catholic Shrine.

POLITICAL DISPUTE

• Dispute: Between India and Sri Lanka.
• 1974 Agreement:
  • International Maritime Boundary Line placed Katchatheevu with Sri Lanka.
  • India gained Wadge Bank (near Kanniyakumari) in return.