The Indian government has been consistently engaging with Sri Lanka through bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic channels to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and their boats, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament.

In a statement tabled in the Lok Sabha, the Indian government said it accords the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu who are frequently detained for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

As of 31 July 2026, 27 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 249 fishing boats remained in Sri Lankan custody. The Indian government said the issue has been raised with Colombo at various official and high-level meetings, stressing that it should be treated on humanitarian and livelihood grounds.

According to the data shared in Parliament, Sri Lankan authorities apprehended 119 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 17 boats in 2026. In 2025, 317 fishermen were detained, and 43 boats were seized, while 526 fishermen and 72 boats were taken into custody in 2024.

The Indian government said issues related to fishermen are also discussed through institutional mechanisms such as the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, which includes representatives from the Tamil Nadu government.

Officials from the Indian mission and consulates in Sri Lanka regularly visit detention centres and prisons to assess the condition of detained fishermen and provide legal assistance to facilitate their release and repatriation.

The Indian government also highlighted financial assistance provided for legal aid and repatriation efforts. Over the last three financial years, assistance worth more than Rs. 1.84 crore has been extended to support affected fishermen and their families.

New Delhi said it will continue to engage with Colombo to address the recurring issue and safeguard the interests of Indian fishermen.

Source: Business World

--Agencies