1976 Agreement Gave India Sovereign Rights In WADGE BANK

Recently, Indian diplomats, with previous experience in engaging with Sri Lanka, emphasized that Delhi successfully gained access to Wadge Bank and its abundant resources.

ABOUT WADGE BANK

1. The Wadge Bank, located south of Kanyakumari, is a resource-rich submarine plateau.
2. It isn't just any underwater spot. It's a shallow plateau southeast of India, overflowing with marine life, especially fish.

• That makes it a prime fishing spot, crucial for both big fishing companies and locals who depend on the sea.

3. The India-Sri Lanka agreement of 1976 recognised the Wadge Bank as part of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) , granting India sovereign rights over the area and its resources.
4. Under the agreement, Sri Lankan fishing vessels and personnel were not allowed to engage in fishing activities in the Wadge Bank.

Why Wadge Bank is India's Golden Ticket?

This deal is a big win for India for a few reasons:

1. Money Maker: The huge amount of fish in Wadge Bank will be a big boost for India's fishing industry, meaning more food and jobs for folks living along the coast.
2. Energy Potential: There might even be oil and gas hiding under Wadge Bank. If so, that's a big deal for India's energy plans.
3. Strategic Power: Having access to this area gives India more clout in the Indian Ocean, a key spot for trade and security.

Challenges and Looking Ahead

While getting access is a huge step, there's still work to do. India and Sri Lanka need to figure out how to share the resources fairly and make sure the fish stocks stay healthy. They'll also need to team up on research and exploration to see what else Wadge Bank has to offer.

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