Possession of islands away from the mainland provides strategic and political advantages to a country.
India is often seen and described as a sub-continent and not as a peninsula because of its vast lands, which blur its ocean frontiers. The peninsular character of India and its dependence on maritime traffic give the sea a preponderant influence on its destiny. But a one-sided view of India’s security with an exclusive focus on North-West frontiers overlooked the oceanic environment and its advantages and disadvantages. Sardar K.M. Panikkar had the vision to understand the oceanic navigation legacy of peninsular India and to write extensively for the Indian policymakers.
Possession of islands away from the mainland provides strategic and political advantages to a country. The security and preservation of island territories from state and non-state actors is vital. It is like a game of “chess”. All major powers of the world are competing to show their presence militarily, diplomatically and politically to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean Region. The region has become a theatre for conflict against Chinese domination, which has led to the Quad, composed of democratic forces. If only India had used its maritime power as envisaged by Panikkar, the Indian Ocean would have become an Indian lake.
In recent weeks, a controversy has emerged surrounding the uninhabited islet of Kachchatheevu, spanning 1.9 square kilometres in the Palk Strait, located approximately 14 nautical miles off Rameswaram in India. Despite previously existing in relative obscurity, this issue has garnered national attention following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet, which thrust it into the spotlight. Yet, the increased focus has not been commensurate with a proportional increase in awareness or understanding of the controversy.
DIPLOMACY THAT OVERLOOKED DEMOCRACY
The core of the dispute surrounding Kachchatheevu revolves around competing sovereignty claims, with Sri Lanka asserting historical rights dating back to the Portuguese occupation (1505-1658 CE). In contrast, India maintains that the erstwhile Raja of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram) had possession of the islet as part of his zamin, with taxes collected until 1947, when it was taken over by the government. The Nehru government’s initial neglect and trivialization of the issue’s importance, particularly its impacts on the fisherfolk community, was concerning. In June 1974, an agreement was signed between the Indira Gandhi government and the Sri Lankan counterpart, R.D. Bandaranaike, granting fishermen from both countries rights to fish around the islet.
Subsequently, a follow-up agreement in March 1976 clarified that fishing vessels and fishermen from either country were prohibited from engaging in fishing activities in specific maritime zones without express permission from Sri Lanka or India. The agreements, the government reasoned, were made to maintain amicable relations with Sri Lanka. However, what was problematic from the Indian viewpoint was the decision to recognize Sri Lankan sovereignty over Kachchatheevu, which was made by the government without the proper involvement of Parliament, sparking significant opposition across political parties. Although the matter in India remains sub judice, the point remains that diplomacy overlooked the democratic process.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN FOREIGN POLICY
The presumption that negotiations or compromises in diplomacy are made through cold calculation, as argued for the 1974/76 agreements, overlooks the crucial role of due diligence in decision-making processes. While negotiations may appear calculated, they must be based on thorough research and analysis, which evidence contradicts. Moreover, the involvement of domestic politics, particularly the role of the DMK, highlights how internal dynamics can significantly influence foreign policy decisions of the Union government.
While seeking peaceful resolutions to boundary disputes is a fundamental challenge of diplomacy for modern Westphalian states, it should not precede due diligence, accountability, and competence. For such reasons, the current dispensation stands out for its awareness of its power and weaknesses within the international system and, therefore, has adopted an increasingly assertive position that balances realism with idealism. This contrasts with handling the Kachchatheevu issue, which illustrated incompetence, arrogance, and unaccountability.
India has maintained amicable relations with most of its neighbours, including Sri Lanka. However, when signing agreements, it is essential to consider the long-term interests of the country and its people. From Sri Lanka’s perspective in 1974, asserting sovereignty over Kachchatheevu was in their national interest. The question arises: Where was India’s long-term perspective in giving away its territory, and why was it done secretly?
NECESSITY OF DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AND MARITIME SECURITY
The Kachchatheevu controversy is a reminder of the vital role that democracy and the political process play in discussions on foreign policy matters. In navigating complex foreign policy decisions, making cold, rational choices can be challenging and may necessitate hard choices. However, as long as these decisions are reached through consensus and transparency, there is a firm belief that the public will stand behind their government.
Meanwhile, the revelation on Kachchatheevu also presents a silver lining, highlighting two crucial trends in Indian politics. Firstly, it underscores the importance of checks and balances within the political system, allowing such matters to be brought to light, debated, and raise awareness among the public. Secondly, the fact that this revelation occurred during an electoral process, where the focus traditionally tends to be on ad hominem attacks, signifies a positive shift towards policy-centred discussions and debates. It reflects a growing trend where the public is increasingly interested in understanding policy issues and making informed choices.
GEO-ECONOMICS AND MARITIME SECURITY
While matters related to infrastructure or the economy may command immediate attention due to their direct impact on the public, foreign policy and defence issues are equally significant, albeit their effects may manifest over time. The Sagarmala Project, approved in 2015, is to harness the 7,500 km long coastline for economic development. The project also seeks to boost infrastructure for transporting goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Here islands like Kachchatheevu become very strategic.
India has enjoyed positive relations with Sri Lanka, and it is imperative to ensure that these revelations do not strain ties. However, the episode underscores the necessity for truth, transparency, and public participation in navigating the complexities and challenges inherent in foreign policy matters. Framed in this context, the Kachchatheevu issue is about the broader debates on diplomacy and democracy in India, where the goal must be the preservation of truth and the integrity of democratic and political processes. No wonder India took the initiative of bringing the matter of maritime security to the UN Security Council and Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself chaired it. He called for a road map of maritime security cooperation on the basis of the principles of cooperation he outlined. This is the kind of initiative that Sardar K.M. Panikkar had envisaged many decades ago.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.