Recent developments in 2025 have brought renewed focus on the longstanding fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo in April 2025, both nations revisited issues surrounding fishing rights in the Palk Straits and sovereignty concerns over Katchatheevu island. The dialogue emphasised a humane and cooperative approach balancing livelihoods and marine conservation.
Historical and Diplomatic Context
India’s regional diplomacy has been shaped by principles of peace and cooperation. The Panchsheel, Non-Aligned Movement, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation tell this legacy. The Neighbourhood First Policy continues this tradition by prioritising good relations with neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka. Despite this, unresolved disputes remain, particularly in fisheries and maritime boundaries.
Fisheries Conflict in the Palk Straits
Fishing communities on both sides of the Palk Straits have shared these waters for centuries. The conflict is intensified by Indian mechanised bottom trawlers entering Sri Lankan waters. Sri Lanka banned bottom trawling in 2017 to protect marine ecology. Indian trawlers continue this practice, damaging coral reefs and depleting fish stocks. This harms smaller artisanal fishers who rely on sustainable methods. The conflict is also intra-community, between commercial trawler operators and traditional fishers dependent on the sea for subsistence.
Legal and Environmental Frameworks
International law, including UNCLOS and the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, emphasises equitable resource use and conservation. The 1974 India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Treaty legally places Katchatheevu island in Sri Lankan waters. This treaty is binding under international law and cannot be unilaterally challenged. Fishing rights and sovereignty are separate issues. Historic fishing rights exist but require mutual respect and cooperation.
Misconceptions about Katchatheevu Island
Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited islet with a church visited annually by Tamil Nadu fishermen. It is often wrongly portrayed as the root cause of the fisheries dispute. Historical records and international precedents confirm Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The island’s status is legally settled. The real issue lies in managing fishing rights and resource conservation in the Palk Straits.
Pathways to Cooperation and Sustainability
Joint resource management is essential in semi-enclosed seas like the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. India and Sri Lanka could adopt models similar to the Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention, involving shared quotas and joint marine research. Regulated fishing access, community dialogue, and promotion of deep-sea fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone can reduce pressure on contested waters. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s Northern Province should engage in cooperative frameworks to build trust and empathy.
Preserving Regional Ties and Good Neighbour Policy
India and Sri Lanka share deep cultural, religious, and kinship bonds. Resolving disputes through quiet diplomacy, legal respect, and people-to-people contact is vital. Avoiding populist rhetoric and focusing on shared livelihood security can transform conflict into cooperation. This approach aligns with India’s broader vision of peace and prosperity in South Asia.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of international law in resolving maritime boundary disputes with examples from India-Sri Lanka relations.
- What are the ecological impacts of mechanised bottom trawling? How can sustainable fishing practices be promoted in South Asia?
- Explain the significance of regional cooperation frameworks like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in managing shared resources.
- With suitable examples, comment on the importance of cultural and civilisational ties in shaping diplomatic relations between neighbouring countries.
