S Jaishankar: Jawaharlal Nehru Viewed Katchatheevu Island as a Nuisance, Centre Escalates Dispute

S Jaishankar: Jawaharlal Nehru Viewed Katchatheevu Island as a Nuisance, Centre Escalates Dispute

The political dispute surrounding the island of Katchatheevu has become more intense. During a press conference on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the long-standing dispute over fishing rights and territory surrounding the island did not arise overnight and that it has been discussed frequently in Parliament. Additionally, he asserted that Congress prime ministers showed apathy toward Katchatheevu Island and relinquished the rights of Indian fishermen, despite opposing legal opinions. The statements made by S. Jaishankar come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chastised the DMK for not doing more to advance the state’s interests in the Katchatheevu Island conflict.

Speaking at the press conference, Jaishankar claimed that prime ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi referred to Katchatheevu, which was granted to Sri Lanka in 1974 as part of a maritime boundary agreement, as a “little island” and a “little rock,” and that the issue has never suddenly come up but has always been a pressing concern. “I attach no importance at all to this little island, and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it,” wrote Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister at the time, in a May 1961 observation. This kind of issue should not be allowed to drag on endlessly and be brought up repeatedly in Parliament. Thus, this small island held no significance for Pandit Nehru, who considered it to be an annoyance. He believes that it is best to give it away as quickly as possible.

“Indira Gandhi also held this opinion,” Jaishankar continued. “The Katchatheevu issue is a current one that is frequently discussed in Parliament; it did not arise overnight. Jaishankar maintained that “the Congress and DMK treated the Katchatheevu issue as though they bore no responsibility.” There has been a lot of communication between the federal government and the state governments, said Jaishankar. He declared that he had answered the chief minister at least twenty-one times.

Criticizing the DMK for its outspoken opposition to the deal, Jaishankar claimed that M. Karunanidhi, the party’s leader and former chief minister, had been well briefed on the 1974 agreement between Sri Lanka and India. He went on to say that the Congress and the DMK had “connived” in large part to create this position in 1974 and beyond. Jaishankar claims that during the previous 20 years, Sri Lanka has detained 6,184 Indian fishermen and impounded 1,175 of their fishing boats.

He stated, “We have to find a solution. The Narendra Modi government has been working to guarantee that the Indian fishermen are released. The Sri Lankan administration and I need to get together and resolve this,” the EAM stated. Earlier on Monday, Modi took to X and wrote, “New details emerging on the issue of India handing over the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka have unmasked the DMK’s double standards.” Modi was citing a news report that claimed M. Karunanidhi had given his concurrence to the agreement despite his party, the DMK, publicly posturing against the deal.

Also Read: PM Modi’s Fresh Attack Uncovers DMK Double Standard in Katchatheevu Row

The media article is based on an RTI response that Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai obtained in response to his inquiries concerning the 1974 Indo-Lanka pact, which was signed during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “DMK has done nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests,” stated Modi, setting aside his rhetoric. The latest information on Katchatheevu has completely exposed the DMK’s hypocritical standards. “The DMK and the Congress are families. Their sons and daughters’ success is all that matters to them. They have no regard for other people. He continued, “Our impoverished fishermen and fisherwomen in particular have suffered because of their callousness toward Katchatheevu. Regarding the matter, the prime minister aimed at the Congress on Sunday. “The Congress has worked to weaken India’s unity, integrity, and interests for 75 years and counting,” he declared.