Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Three Indian Fishermen Near Neduntheevu

The fishermen had set sail from Rameswaram on Monday night and were reportedly engaged in their routine fishing activities when they were intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fishermen had set sail from Rameswaram on Monday night and were reportedly engaged in their routine fishing activities when they were intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy.

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The Sri Lankan Navy arrested three Indian fishermen on Tuesday, accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The fishermen, identified as A Shankar (53), D Arjunan (35) and S Murugesan (49) of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram, were apprehended near Neduntheevu (Delft Island) in the early hours of Tuesday and their mechanized fishing boat was seized, reported The Hindu.

The fishermen had set sail from Rameswaram on Monday night and were reportedly engaged in their routine fishing activities when they were intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy. Since January 2025, at least 119 Indian fishermen have been arrested by Sri Lankan authorities and 16 fishing boats have been confiscated, as per reports.

Growing Distress 

The frequent arrests have created significant financial and emotional challenges for the families of the detained fishermen, many of whom rely on fishing as their primary source of income. Tamil Nadu fishermen's leader VP Sesuraja expressed concern over the heavy fines imposed by Sri Lanka for the release of the fishermen, which many families cannot afford, as per a report on IANS. The situation has led to growing frustration and fear among the fishing community with many now hesitant to venture into the sea, further exacerbating their economic difficulties.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the Central government to take immediate action. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CM Stalin highlighted the alarming frequency of arrests and called for the formation of a Joint Working Group to address the matter permanently.

"The continued apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has reached alarming levels. Since January 2025, 119 fishermen have been arrested, and 16 boats seized in multiple incidents," CM Stalin wrote, as per the agency report.

He emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further detentions and ensure the safety and livelihoods of Indian fishermen.