India-Sri Lanka Relations and the Fisheries Crisis
India's diplomatic history is shaped by principles like Panchsheel, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Neighbourhood First Policy, promoting peace in South Asia. However, unresolved issues with Sri Lanka, such as the fisheries crisis in the Palk Strait and Katchatheevu island's sovereignty, present challenges.
Fisheries Crisis in the Palk Strait
- Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities have shared the Palk Strait for centuries, but disputes arise due to Indian mechanised bottom trawling.
- Bottom trawling, banned by Sri Lanka in 2017, damages habitats and decreases fish stocks.
- The conflict is not only territorial but also a livelihood clash between commercial trawler operations and artisanal fishers.
- A humane resolution requires distinguishing between the needs of artisanal and trawler operators, with a focus on community welfare and marine sustainability.
Katchatheevu: Political and Legal Aspects
- Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, often misrepresented as the root of fisheries disputes, was settled by the 1974 India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Treaty placing it under Sri Lankan sovereignty.
- Katchatheevu issue is legally resolved and should not be conflated with fisheries management.
- Fishing rights are distinct and should be managed separately from sovereignty issues.
Legal and Diplomatic Framework
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) promotes equitable and conservation-focused use of marine resources.
- India and Sri Lanka can model their cooperation on examples like the Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention for joint resource management.
- Judicial precedence recognizes historic rights on shared waters, advocating for cooperation in semi-enclosed seas like the Palk Bay.
Proposing Solutions and the Way Forward
- Possible solutions include equitable fishing quotas, joint marine research initiatives, and encouraging deep-sea fishing to reduce near-shore pressure.
- It is crucial to foster understanding and empathy between Indian and Sri Lankan communities, focusing on shared cultural and civilizational ties.
- A collaborative regime should be prioritized, moving from confrontation to cooperation, ensuring peace, prosperity, and mutual respect in South Asia.
By addressing these disputes through cooperation and legal frameworks, the Katchatheevu and Palk Strait issues could evolve into symbols of partnership rather than contention.
