The Katchatheevu Island, situated near Rameshwaram, has emerged as a contentious political subject ahead of the lok sabha elections. prime minister Modi has accused the congress of compromising India's integrity by ceding Katchatheevu to sri lanka in 1974. 

Contrarily, congress retaliated by citing BJP's diplomatic agreements, such as the one with bangladesh and raising the Galwan Valley issue, in 2015. The history of Katchatheevu Island dates back to its formation due to a volcanic eruption in the 14th century. Initially under the rule of Sri Lanka's Jaffna kingdom, it was later captured by the Ramnad Zamindari of Ramanathapuram in the 17th century.

However, disputes over ownership persisted until 1974 when it was officially ceded to sri lanka through the 'India-Sri Lanka Maritime Agreement' signed by then-Prime minister Indira Gandhi. Despite India's intervention in the Sri Lankan civil war in 1991, demands for the return of Katchatheevu and restoration of fishing rights for tamil fishermen have been consistently raised by the tamil Nadu Assembly.

The issue resurfaced in 2008 when the late jayalalitha filed a petition questioning the constitutionality of ceding Katchatheevu without an amendment and its impact on fishermen's livelihoods. The island holds significance for tamil Nadu due to its traditional fishing grounds. Last year, tamil Nadu chief minister MK stalin urged talks on the matter with sri lanka, highlighting its economic and cultural repercussions.

Under the India-Sri Lanka maritime agreement, indian pilgrims can visit Katchatheevu without a visa, but permanent residency is prohibited. The island's sole structure, St. Anthony's Church, hosts an annual festival drawing devotees from both countries. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Katchatheevu has become strategically crucial amidst China's growing influence in Sri Lanka.

PM Modi's recent remarks accusing the DMK of neglecting tamil Nadu's interests stirred controversy, prompting congress to defend the 1974 agreement as a diplomatic gesture akin to other border settlements. External Affairs minister S jaishankar echoed Modi's sentiments, lamenting the Sri Lankan Navy's harassment of indian fishermen due to the island's transfer.

Amidst the political back-and-forth, the Katchatheevu issue underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy, regional interests, and historical grievances in India's southern states.