Colombo: The Sri Lankan Navy detained 12 Indian fishermen on Sunday, along with their trawler, for allegedly fishing illegally within Sri Lankan waters, adding to a rising number of such incidents this year.
With this latest arrest near Point Pedro in Jaffna’s northern province, the total number of Indian nationals apprehended in 2024 has reached 462. The detained fishermen were transported to Kankesanthurai Harbour and are set to be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings, according to an official navy statement.
So far in 2024, Sri Lanka has seized 62 Indian fishing vessels and detained hundreds of fishermen, reflecting the strained maritime relations between the two neighbors. Tensions over fishing rights in the Palk Strait — a narrow water body separating Tamil Nadu from northern Sri Lanka — have led to repeated confrontations, including incidents of gunfire and boat seizures.
The contentious fishermen issue has been a recurring point of friction, with both countries’ fishermen often crossing maritime boundaries unknowingly. To address the situation, a 12-member Indian delegation is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for talks aimed at resolving the dispute.
The Palk Strait remains a vital fishing zone for both Indian and Sri Lankan communities, intensifying the need for cooperation to manage shared marine resources while easing diplomatic tensions.
