EAM Jaishankar Assures Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Of Action On Fishermen Detained In Sri Lanka

Jaishankar reaffirmed the NDA Government's ongoing commitment since 2014 to address the livelihood and humanitarian concerns of the Indian fishing community.

Jaishankar highlighted the historical context of the issue, referencing an understanding between the Union and State Governments in 1974.

Source : X/@DrSJaishankar

Union Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar, has assured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin of proactive steps by the Central government to secure the release of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. This assurance follows a series of letters from CM Stalin, dated June 19, 24, and 25, seeking intervention in the matter.

In his response, Jaishankar detailed the current situation, stating, "As of June 26, 34 Indian fishermen are under judicial remand in Sri Lanka, and six others are convicted and serving sentences in Sri Lankan jail." He emphasized that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna are actively pursuing the early release of the detained fishermen.

Jaishankar highlighted the historical context of the issue, referencing an understanding between the Union and State Governments in 1974. He reaffirmed the NDA Government's ongoing commitment since 2014 to address the livelihood and humanitarian concerns of the Indian fishing community.

"The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been expeditiously and consistently taking up such cases for early release of those detained," Jaishankar noted, underscoring the multiple dimensions of these efforts, including diplomatic engagements with the Sri Lankan government.

"You may be assured that we give the utmost priority to the welfare and security of Indian fishermen and will always do so," Jaishankar wrote in his letter to CM Stalin.

On June 25, the Chief Minister wrote a letter to the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, urging him to secure the release of all fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. Stalin highlighted that in 2024 alone, 203 fishermen and 27 boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Sri Lanka has begun enforcing the provisions of the Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) Act.