Katchatheevu Island

Current context: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution urging the Union government to initiate steps to reclaim Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka

Key Facts

• Location: Palk Strait, between Tamil Nadu (India) and Sri Lanka (16 km from Rameswaram).
• Geography: 285-acre uninhabited island, no infrastructure except a St. Anthony’s church.
• Dispute:
• Ownership contested since 1921, settled by India-Sri Lanka agreements (1974, 1976), ceding it to Sri Lanka.
• Indian fishermen allowed to visit for the annual St. Anthony’s festival but fishing prohibited.
• Government Stand: Union government rejects retrieval, stating agreements settled the matter; case pending in Supreme Court.