Mapping
Source: TH
| Aspect | Description | |
| Location | Katchatheevu island, located in the narrow Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, lies approximately 20 kilometres from the Rameswaram coast of Tamil Nadu, India.
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| 1974 Agreement | The island’s transfer to Sri Lanka occurred following an agreement signed between then PM Indira Gandhi of India and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka in June 1974 | |
| The agreement also allowed Indian fishermen to fish around the island, dry their nets on it and permitted Indian pilgrims to visit the Catholic shrine located on the island
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| 1976 Agreement | The 1976 agreement defined maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones for India and Sri Lanka. It also restricted fishing in each other’s waters without explicit permission from either country
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| Fishing Rights | Despite the transfer, traditional fishing activities by both Indian and Sri Lankan fisherfolk continued around Katchatheevu, regulated by a 1976 agreement requiring permission | |
| Historical Significance | Katchatheevu has been historically significant, hosting St. Anthony’s Church, which conducts an annual festival attracting devotees from both India and Sri Lanka.
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| Legal Status | Despite calls for retrieval, the Indian government, through various statements, affirmed Katchatheevu’s status as belonging to Sri Lanka based on the 1974 and 1976 agreements | |
