India and Sri Lanka maintain complex relations, characterized by close historical, cultural, and economic ties since Ancient time …
Areas of Cooperation :
- Economic Ties: India is a major trading partner and investor in Sri Lanka . Both countries are working to strengthen economic cooperation through various initiatives .
- Energy Security: India and Sri Lanka are looking to strengthen energy ties .
- Defense: India aims to strengthen defense ties with Sri Lanka .
- Tri-Nation Series: India and Sri Lanka along with South Africa participate in the ODI tri-series .
Points of contention:
- India and Sri Lanka have generally positive relations underpinned by historical, cultural, and economic ties, but several bilateral issues continue to be relevant:
- Fisheries Dispute: This remains a primary point of contention, with frequent incidents of Indian fishermen being apprehended in Sri Lankan waters, and vice versa .
- Chinese Influence: India is wary of China’s growing presence in Sri Lanka, particularly its involvement in infrastructure projects .
- Economic and Trade Relations: Efforts are ongoing to strengthen economic ties and expand trade, but issues related to tariffs and market access persist .
- Naval Agreements: Naval agreements between Sri Lanka and China have caused some unease in India .
- Border Security and Smuggling: The maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka is porous, leading to concerns about border security and smuggling activities .
- Despite these challenges, both countries are committed to maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship .
Katchatheevu issue :
The Katchatheevu Island issue is a recurring point of contention in India-Sri Lanka relations . Here’s a breakdown:
- Background: Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait . In 1974, India recognized Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island through a maritime agreement .
- Fishing Rights: The agreement allows Indian fishermen to access Katchatheevu for drying nets and resting, but the extent of their fishing rights in the surrounding waters is disputed .
- Tamil Nadu Concerns: Politicians in Tamil Nadu periodically demand the retrieval of Katchatheevu, arguing that it rightfully belongs to India and that the 1974 agreement harmed the interests of Tamil fishermen .
- Recent Developments: The issue often resurfaces during election periods in India, with political parties raising the topic to appeal to Tamil voters .
- Sri Lanka’s Stance: Sri Lanka maintains that the issue was resolved decades ago and sees no need to reopen discussions .
- Impact on Fishermen: The dispute leads to frequent face-offs between the Sri Lankan navy and Indian fishermen, who are sometimes detained for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters .
The Katchatheevu issue remains a sensitive topic with implications for the livelihoods of Tamil fishermen and the broader India-Sri Lanka relationship .
