S Jaishankar discusses DMK’s involvement in Katchatheevu Island controversy from the beginning.

At an event in Bikaner, Rajasthan on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar addressed the Katchatheevu island controversy. He accused the DMK of misleading the people of Tamil Nadu by claiming they are not involved in the matter and blaming the central government. Jaishankar emphasized that the DMK was actually involved in the issue from the beginning and that discussions were held behind closed doors, with the then DMK chief minister agreeing to it. He also highlighted a statement by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, regarding Aksai Chin, suggesting that the Congress has no attachment to India’s land.

The territorial and fishing rights dispute around Katchatheevu Island has gained attention ahead of the general elections, with the BJP and the opposition exchanging criticisms over the issue. The island, located between Rameswaram in India and Sri Lanka, is traditionally used by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. In 1974, the central government accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the “Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.” Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress and DMK of mishandling the Katchatheevu island issue.

He criticized the Congress for giving away the island and accused the ruling party in Tamil Nadu of failing to safeguard the state’s interests.