In a tragic incident near Katchatheevu island, a collision between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat has resulted in the death of one fisherman and left another missing. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning about 5 nautical miles north of Katchatheevu island, has prompted a strong diplomatic response from India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there were four Indian fishermen aboard the boat at the time of the collision. The impact claimed the life of one fisherman, while another remains unaccounted for. The remaining two fishermen were rescued and are now in Kankesanthurai, where they are receiving assistance.

A search operation is ongoing to locate the missing fisherman. Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have been directed to travel to Kankesanthurai to provide support to the affected fishermen and their families.

In response to the incident, India has lodged a formal protest with Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan acting high commissioner in New Delhi was summoned on Thursday morning to address the issue. India expressed deep concern over the loss of life and demanded that the matter be taken seriously. The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo is also expected to raise the issue with the Sri Lankan government later today.

Katchatheevu island, located between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka, has been a point of contention for years. Historically used by fishermen from both nations, it was officially ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement" signed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This agreement established Sri Lankan sovereignty over the island and defined maritime boundaries in the Palk Strait and Palk Bay.

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