Sri Lanka Rules Out Reopening Katchatheevu Island Discussions with India

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry ruled out reopening discussions with India on Katchatheevu Island, affirming that the issue was resolved long ago. He emphasized Sri Lanka's commitment to safeguarding India's national security interests.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has reaffirmed that there is no need to reopen discussions with India about Katchatheevu Island. He emphasized that this matter was resolved long ago through bilateral talks between the two countries.

In an interview with ANI, Sabry stated, "These are issues that were discussed and concluded a long time ago through country-to-country talks. I do not see a necessity to recommence it."

The Foreign Minister clarified that recent comments regarding Katchatheevu were not meant to initiate new discussions but to review the historical deliberations. "None of the comments on the issue were made to recommence anything. They are trying to find out whether the deliberation at that time was carried out properly or not, based on domestic political needs," he said.

Katchatheevu Island, located between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka, has traditionally been used by fishermen from both countries. In 1974, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, recognized Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement. This agreement confirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island.

A month ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for "callously" giving away the island to Sri Lanka during Indira Gandhi's tenure. He stated that this decision angered many and questioned the Congress party's ability to protect Indian territory. "There was an island under the sea in Tamil Nadu, but the Congress gave it to Sri Lanka and now when our fishermen venture into that area by mistake, they are arrested. Can this Congress ever protect our land when it gave our Katchatheevu to another country," Modi remarked.

Despite these criticisms, Minister Sabry assured that Sri Lanka is committed to safeguarding India’s national security interests. He added that Sri Lanka, as a responsible neighbor, will not allow any actions that could compromise India’s security.

Addressing India's concerns about Chinese research vessels visiting Sri Lanka, Sabry said that Sri Lanka aims to work transparently with all countries without jeopardizing others' interests. "We have very clearly stated that we would like to work with all countries, but any reasonable concerns regarding Indian security will be taken into note, and we will not allow anyone to harm that. Subject to that, of course, in a very transparent manner, we would like to work with all countries," he stated.

This clear stance from Sri Lanka indicates a firm commitment to maintaining the current status of Katchatheevu Island and respecting the agreements made in the past.