17 Indian fishermen repatriated from Sri Lanka
Indian fishermen return to their homes
17 Indian fishermen who were detained by Sri Lanka have been repatriated back to their home country. The apprehension of Indian fishermen has been an issue between the two countries, largely stemming from the fishing rights in the Palk Bay, a narrow strip of sea that lies between the two countries.The repatriation of these 17 fishermen is a result of diplomatic efforts by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The fishermen from the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu often find themselves at the centre of the problem as they venture into the waters for their livelihood.The International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) - IMBL, a de facto maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, is often crossed inadvertently by fishermen due to the close proximity of the fishing grounds to this line.
As per Indian government information, 260 Indian fishermen and 37 Indian fishing vessels were apprehended this year by the Sri Lankan authorities until July 22, 2024.
On their way home! 17 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/uxAHAE5WwS — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) August 14, 2024
The Government of India has been taking up the fishermen issue at the highest level, including by the Prime Minister in his meetings with his Sri Lankan counterpart. Recently, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) raised the issue during his visit to Sri Lanka in June.
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In a statement in Parliament, Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said, "The Sri Lankan government has been urged to treat the fishermen issue as a humanitarian and livelihood concern, and it has been stressed that both sides should ensure that there is no use of force under any circumstances."
Also read:India, Sri Lanka looking at trading in national currencies: Sri Lankan Minister Balasuriya
The Joint Working Group (JWG) on fisheries, a bilateral mechanism established to address this issue, held its last meeting in 2022. The group discusses all fisheries issues, including the concerns related to fishermen and their fishing boats. Both sides are now planning to hold the JWG meeting at an early date.