Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Eight Indian Fishermen Near Rameswaram
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their boat near Delft Island, accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line to fish illegally. This latest incident highlights the recurring and contentious issue faced by Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, who cite depleted fish stocks and historic fishing rights. Fishermen’s associations have again called for immediate diplomatic intervention from New Delhi to secure the crew's release and find a permanent solution.
Unpacked:
Tamil Nadu fishermen often cross into Sri Lankan waters due to depleted fish stocks on the Indian side of the Palk Strait and a belief in traditional fishing rights that predate the current maritime boundary. Overfishing and the use of mechanized trawlers have intensified pressure on local resources, pushing some fishermen to venture into richer Sri Lankan waters despite legal risks.
The fishing dispute has strained diplomatic relations, with frequent arrests and confiscation of boats by Sri Lanka causing public outcry in India. While both sides have attempted dialogue, the recurring nature of the issue—driven by livelihood concerns and national interests—continues to complicate bilateral cooperation and trust.
Sri Lankan fishermen, especially from the northern province, compete with Indian fishermen for the same resources. After the end of Sri Lanka's civil war, local fishers resumed operations and opposed Indian trawling, which they argue damages the marine environment and threatens their livelihoods, intensifying the conflict between the two communities.
Proposed solutions include joint patrolling, regulated fishing zones, phasing out damaging trawling practices, and bilateral agreements to recognize traditional fishing rights. Indian fishermen’s associations frequently urge diplomatic intervention, but a lasting solution remains elusive due to differing interpretations of maritime boundaries and economic interests.