LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Modi Encourages Indian Fishermen to Confront Sri Lankan Navy Near Disputed Katchatheevu Island

Modi Encourages Indian Fishermen to Confront Sri Lankan Navy Near Disputed Katchatheevu Island

-By A Staff Writer

(Lanka-e-News -03.Aug.2024, 10.30 pm) In a move that has escalated tensions between India and Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar have made bold promises to reclaim the disputed Katchatheevu island if the BJP wins the upcoming elections. This pledge has stirred significant controversy and led to increased confrontations between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy.

Election Pledge and Its Consequences

Modi and Jaishankar's election promise has had immediate repercussions. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu, emboldened by the pledge, have been venturing into Sri Lankan waters, leading to several confrontations with the Sri Lankan Navy. These incursions have not only strained relations but also resulted in a tragic incident where an Indian fisherman killed a Sri Lankan Navy officer, despite no shots being fired by the Sri Lankan side.

Reactions from Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen have expressed satisfaction with their navy's efforts to protect their fishing harvests from what they see as illegal incursions. They have accused the BJP government of encouraging Tamil Nadu fishermen to confront the Sri Lankan Navy, thereby causing disturbances in the region. Despite the provocations, the Sri Lankan Navy has so far avoided using lethal force but has stated its right to protect its territorial sovereignty, potentially including shooting down intruders if necessary.

Potential International Ramifications

The ongoing territorial disputes have the potential to draw in other international powers. There are speculations that if India continues its aggressive stance, Sri Lanka might consider leasing the Katchatheevu islands to China. Such a move would likely deter India from further incursions due to the strategic and military implications of Chinese involvement in the region.

Political Fallout in India

The situation has put Prime Minister Modi in a difficult position. Despite his strong rhetoric, reclaiming the island from Sri Lanka has proven challenging, especially with China warning of serious consequences, including the threat of deploying hypersonic missiles. This has led to criticisms of Modi's leadership, with some accusing him of failing to deliver on his promises and portraying India as a weak power.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar, who had vocally supported the reclamation of the island, is now facing calls for resignation. Critics point out that despite his previous assurances, he has remained silent on the issue in recent days, leading to questions about the government's commitment and capability to follow through on its election promises.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, aware that the actions taken by India and Sri Lanka could have significant regional and global implications.