Posted 4/1/2024, 2:38:13 PM
Katchatheevu Island Dispute: A History of India-Sri Lanka Tensions over Strategic Island
- History of ownership dispute over Katchatheevu island between India and Sri Lanka dates back to 1921 conference during British rule
- Issue arose after independence when Indian Navy wanted to conduct exercises on island, Ceylon objected
- Indira Gandhi signed 1974 agreement recognizing island as Sri Lankan territory, but with visiting rights for Indians
- Tamil Nadu government has since demanded retrieval of island, moved Supreme Court in 2008 challenging agreements
- India's attorney general said in 2014 that retrieving island now will require war with Sri Lanka