India’s Security Interests Highlighted in 1974 Talks on Katchatheevu Cession

Documents revealed under the Right to Information Act shed light on talks between then Foreign Secretary Kewal Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi regarding the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India’s security interests and its weak legal case for sovereignty over the island to convince Karunanidhi of the proposal.

This disclosure contradicts Karunanidhi’s claim of not being party to the cessation of Katchatheevu during his lifetime. The documents, prepared by MEA Director B.K. Basu, outline discussions held in Madras on June 19, 1974, underscoring the significance of India’s strategic concerns in the decision-making process.