Sri Lankan navy detains 23 Indian fishermen, seizes 3 boats for crossing Maritime border

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 23 Indian fishermen and confiscated three of their mechanized boats for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Palk Bay. The incident took place off the northern coast of Sri Lanka, near Neduntheevu Island, on Sunday. The fishermen, all hailing from Tamil Nadu, were detained while operating in waters that Sri Lanka claims as part of its territorial zone. The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that the fishermen crossed the IMBL, a maritime boundary separating the territorial waters of India and Sri Lanka.

The Navy’s statement indicated that the boats were impounded to prevent further violations of the maritime boundary. After being detained, the fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai Naval Camp in Jaffna, where the Sri Lankan authorities will begin the process of handing them over to the local Fisheries Department. This marks a continuation of the ongoing tensions between India and Sri Lanka over fishing rights in the Palk Bay. The region has long been the subject of disputes, with fishermen from Tamil Nadu frequently accused of straying into Sri Lankan waters.

The Sri Lankan Navy has regularly detained Indian fishermen, citing violations of the IMBL. The arrests are often met with protests in Tamil Nadu, where the fishing community claims their livelihoods are being unfairly targeted. In a statement, the Sri Lankan Navy stressed that the arrests were made in line with international maritime laws and Sri Lanka's sovereignty over its territorial waters. The Navy further stated that they had made similar arrests earlier this year. In one instance, 16 Indian fishermen were apprehended in October for the same offense, bringing the total number of fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy since June 2024 to over 400. According to official figures, the Sri Lankan Navy has seized 58 boats during this period as well.

The Tamil Nadu government, as well as Indian fishermen’s associations, have condemned the detentions, calling for immediate action by the Indian government to ensure the safety and release of the arrested fishermen. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his concern over the growing number of detentions and wrote to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging for stronger diplomatic action. The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister also stated that the fishermen were operating in Indian waters and that the arrests were unprovoked.

The fishermen's associations have voiced strong opposition, stating that the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy severely impact the livelihoods of thousands of Indian fishermen who rely on the Palk Bay for their daily catch. These incidents have not only caused economic hardship for the local fishing communities but have also led to emotional and psychological strain. The threat of losing boats, which are essential to their work, adds further tension to the ongoing issue.

Indian authorities have raised concerns regarding the safety of their fishermen, claiming that they face harassment and even violence when detained by Sri Lankan officials. According to Indian fishermen, the conditions in Sri Lankan custody are harsh, with reports of overcrowded jails and lack of proper care for those detained. Furthermore, Indian officials have highlighted the longstanding nature of the maritime dispute, with both countries at odds over the exact demarcation of the IMBL. Indian diplomats have consistently urged the Sri Lankan government to resolve the issue amicably through bilateral negotiations.

The ongoing issue has exacerbated diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries, with no clear resolution in sight. The Indian government has also raised concerns about the frequent arrests of Indian fishermen, urging Sri Lanka to consider the humanitarian aspect of the situation. The Sri Lankan Navy has, however, maintained that its actions are necessary to protect its waters from illegal fishing, including fishing by trawlers that often damage marine ecosystems. In addition, there are concerns over the depletion of fish stocks in the region, as both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen have expanded their operations over the years. The latest detentions come amid growing pressure for both countries to engage in talks to resolve the issue.