The Sri Lankan Navy on Wednesday arrested 14 Indian fishermen for allegedly fishing in the island nation's territorial waters near the northeastern district of Mannar. The operation also led to the seizure of two Indian fishing trawlers. This latest action brings the total number of Indian fishermen arrested this year to 529 with 68 fishing trawlers confiscated, according to the Sri Lankan Navy. Earlier this week, 18 Indian fishermen were apprehended in the Vettilaikerni area of northern Sri Lanka.
The recurring arrests highlight the ongoing fishing disputes between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka. This region is a rich fishing ground but frequently sees incidents of fishermen inadvertently trespassing into the other country's waters.
The contentious issue has strained bilateral ties with Indian fishermen often alleging harassment and confiscation of boats by Sri Lankan authorities. In some cases, reports of firing by Sri Lankan Navy personnel have further escalated tensions.
Last month, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha held discussions on finding a sustainable resolution to the fishing disputes. Both sides emphasised the need for long-term measures to address the challenges faced by fishermen from both nations.
In 2023, Sri Lanka's Navy arrested 240 Indian fishermen for alleged poaching. This year has already seen more than double that number indicating an escalation in enforcement actions.
The Indian government has been working to secure the release of the arrested fishermen through diplomatic channels, while also urging Indian fishermen to avoid crossing international maritime boundaries.
Meanwhile, eight Indian fishermen were repatriated from Sri Lanka to Chennai on Thursday.
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