New Delhi, 26 June 1974
Colombo, 28 June 1974The Government of the Republic of INDIA
AND
The Government of the Republic of SRI LANKA,
DESIRING to determine the boundary line in the historic waters between India and Sri Lanka and to settle the related matters in a
manner which is fair and equitable to both sides,
HAVING examined the entire question from all angles and taken into account the historical and other evidence and legal aspects thereof,
HAVE agreed as follows :
Article 1
The boundary between India and Sri Lanka in the waters from Adam’s Bridge to Palk Strait shall be arcs of Great Circles between the
following positions, in the sequence given below, defined by latitude and longitude :
Position 1 : 10° 05’
North, 80° 03’ East
Position 2 : 09° 57’
North, 79° 35’ East
Position 3 : 09° 40’ 15
North, 79° 22’60
East
Position 4 : 09° 21’ 80
North, 79° 30’70 East
Position 5 : 09° 13’
North, 79° 32’
East
Position 6 : 09° 06’
North, 79° 32’
East
Article 2
The coordinates of the positions specified in Article 1 are geographical coordinates and the straight lines connecting them are indicated
in the chart annexed hereto which has been signed by the surveyors authorized by the two Governments, respectively.
Article 3
The actual location of the aforementioned positions at sea and on the seabed shall be determined by a method to be mutually agreed
upon by the surveyors authorized for the purpose by the two Governments, respectively.
Article 4
Each country shall have sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction and control over the waters, the islands, the continental shelf and
the subsoil thereof, falling on its own side of the aforesaid boundary.
Article 5
Subject to the foregoing, Indian fishermen and pilgrims will enjoy access to visit Kachchativu as hitherto, and will not be required
by Sri Lanka to obtain travel documents or visas for these purposes.
Article 6
The vessels of India and Sri Lanka will enjoy in each others waters such rights as they have traditionally enjoyed therein.
Article 7
If any single geological petroleum of natural gas structure or field, or any single geological structure or field of any other mineral
deposit, including sand or gravel, extends across the boundary referred to in Article 1 and the part of such structure or field which
is situated on one side of the boundary is exploited, in whole or in part, from the other side of the boundary, the two countries
shall seek to reach agreement as to the manner in which the structure or field shall be most effectively exploited and the manner
in which the proceeds deriving therefrom shall be apportioned.
Article 8
This Agreement shall be subject to ratification. It shall enter into force on the date of exchange of the instruments of ratification
which will take place as soon as possible.
For the Government of the Republic of India
Sd /-
INDIRA GANDHI
New Delhi: 26.6.74 Sd /-
For the Government of the Republic of Sri Lanka
SIRIMAVO R.D. BHANDARNAIKE
Colombo: 28.6.74
