1976 Pact Grants India Exclusive Sovereignty Over Key Maritime Area Near Kanyakumari
A lesser-known aspect of the India-Sri Lanka maritime boundary agreements came to light recently, shedding new light on India’s sovereign rights in the Wadge Bank near Kanyakumari. This agreement, signed in 1976, holds significant implications for maritime activities and resource management in the region.
The 1976 agreement between India and Sri Lanka, pertaining to the Gulf of Mannar, the Bay of Bengal, and related matters, granted India exclusive sovereignty over the Wadge Bank area. Located near Cape Comorin, the Wadge Bank falls within India’s exclusive economic zone, granting India control over its resources.
According to the terms of the agreement, fishing vessels from Sri Lanka were prohibited from engaging in fishing activities in the Wadge Bank area. However, as a gesture of goodwill, India allowed licensed Sri Lankan fishing vessels to operate in the area for a limited period of three years, with strict quotas on the number of vessels and fish catch.
The agreement stipulated that the number of Sri Lankan fishing vessels permitted in the Wadge Bank area should not exceed six, and their annual fish catch should not surpass 2,000 tonnes. After the expiration of the three-year period, Sri Lankan vessels ceased fishing in the Wadge Bank, as officially notified by the Indian Parliament.
Recent developments, such as the invitation for oil and gas exploration bids in the Wadge Bank area by the Indian government, have reignited discussions and protests among fishermen communities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These bids have sparked concerns about the potential environmental impact and disruption to traditional fishing practices in the region.
As India continues to navigate its maritime agreements with neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka, the issue of sovereign rights in areas like the Wadge Bank remains a topic of significance, with implications for resource management, environmental conservation, and regional cooperation.
