In July 2025, one issue dominates India’s newsstands, social media feeds, and public discourse: the Katchatheevu dispute. This long-standing maritime disagreement with Sri Lanka over a tiny island in the Palk Strait has resurfaced with renewed vigor, fueled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s impassioned plea for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to secure the release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
The issue isn’t just about a 1.9-square-kilometer island; it’s a symbol of national pride, sovereignty, and the livelihoods of thousands of Indian fishermen. It demands a robust, unified response from India—one that prioritizes its citizens, reasserts territorial claims, and challenges the narrative of diplomatic inertia.The Katchatheevu issue traces back to 1974, when India ceded the island to Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.
At the time, the decision was framed as a gesture of goodwill to strengthen bilateral ties. But for the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu, it was a betrayal. Katchatheevu, historically a shared fishing ground, was a lifeline for Indian fishermen. Its transfer to Sri Lanka restricted their access, leading to frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy for “poaching” in waters they’ve fished for generations. In 2025, these arrests have escalated, with reports of over 100 Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lankan prisons, their boats confiscated, and their families left in economic distress.
This is not just a diplomatic spat; it’s a humanitarian crisis that exposes the cracks in India’s foreign policy. The outrage in Tamil Nadu is palpable. CM Stalin’s call for Modi’s direct intervention underscores the urgency of the situation. Fishermen’s associations have staged protests, and social media platforms are ablaze with hashtags like #SaveTNFishermen and #ReclaimKatchatheevu.
The public’s frustration is justified. For decades, successive governments have treated the issue as a diplomatic footnote, relying on tepid negotiations and joint working groups that yield little progress. Meanwhile, fishermen face harassment, imprisonment, and loss of livelihood. This cycle of inaction must end. Critics of a hardline stance argue that reclaiming Katchatheevu or escalating tensions with Sri Lanka risks destabilizing a delicate bilateral relationship.
Sri Lanka, grappling with its own economic and political challenges, relies on India as a regional ally. Alienating Colombo could push it closer to China, which already has a foothold in the region through infrastructure investments like the Hambantota Port. This geopolitical argument, while valid, cannot overshadow the immediate human cost. Indian fishermen are not pawns in a diplomatic chess game; they are citizens whose rights and dignity demand protection.
A nation that aspires to global leadership cannot afford to neglect its own people. The Modi government has an opportunity to turn the tide. First, it must prioritize the release of detained fishermen. Diplomatic channels should be leveraged with urgency, not complacency. India could explore economic incentives or trade concessions to secure their freedom, but these must be paired with a clear message:
Sri Lanka’s aggressive policing of the Palk Strait is unacceptable. Second, India should revisit the 1974 agreement. Historical records suggest Katchatheevu was ceded without parliamentary approval, raising questions about its legality. A judicial review, as demanded by some Tamil Nadu leaders, could strengthen India’s case for renegotiating maritime boundaries. Moreover, the government must invest in sustainable solutions for fishermen.
Providing alternative livelihoods, modernizing fishing infrastructure, and enforcing clear maritime boundaries could reduce dependence on contested waters. The “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana,” approved on July 16, 2025, to enhance agricultural productivity, could serve as a model for a similar initiative tailored to coastal communities. Such measures would not only address immediate economic hardships but also signal India’s commitment to its marginalized populations.
Skeptics might argue that reclaiming Katchatheevu is impractical or that Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island is a settled matter. But sovereignty is not immutable when it comes at the expense of justice. India’s own history—from the liberation of Goa to its assertive stance on Jammu and Kashmir—shows that territorial claims can be revisited when national interest demands it.
Katchatheevu is not just about land; it’s about the principle that no Indian citizen should suffer for the sake of diplomatic expediency. The public’s fixation on this issue reflects a broader yearning for a government that acts decisively.
The groundswell Reasonable people may disagree on the solution, but the anger is real. The government cannot afford to dismiss this as regional noise. A unified national response is essential, one that transcends Tamil Nadu’s borders and rallies the country around its fishermen. The Katchatheevu dispute is a test of India’s resolve.
Will it continue to sideline its fishermen, or will it rise to the challenge of protecting its own? Prime Minister Modi, known for his bold foreign policy moves, must seize this moment. A strong stance on Katchatheevu would not only restore faith in his government but also send a message to the world: India stands unwaveringly for its people. The time for half-measures is over. Let’s reclaim Katchatheevu—not just the island, but the dignity of every Indian fisherman.