External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation against the Opposition regarding the Katchatheevu island row, highlighting historical decisions made by past Indian leaders regarding the disputed territory.
The Katchatheevu island dispute dates back to 1974 when the then Indira Gandhi government accepted the island as part of Sri Lanka under a maritime agreement between India and Sri Lanka. This issue has resurfaced following a media report based on a Right to Information (RTI) reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on the 1974 pact.
PM Modi recently shared a statement by late DMK MP Era Sezhiyan expressing discontent with the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Agreement, calling it “an unholy agreement.”
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the indifference shown by past central governments and Prime Ministers towards the territorial integrity of India. He referred to statements made by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961, where Nehru expressed willingness to give up India’s claim on the island, considering it insignificant.
Jaishankar also pointed out remarks allegedly made by Indira Gandhi, where she reportedly referred to Katchatheevu as “a little rock,” echoing Nehru’s dismissive attitude towards the territory.
The Minister criticized the Congress party for its handling of the Katchatheevu issue, accusing it of ignoring Indian concerns regarding the island’s sovereignty. He emphasized the need for the public to be aware of the historical decisions made by past leaders and urged them to judge the matter accordingly.
The Katchatheevu island dispute remains a contentious issue between India and Sri Lanka, with implications for maritime boundaries and fishing rights in the region. As the debate continues, the Indian government’s stance on the matter is under scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability in dealing with territorial disputes.
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