- The latest incident involves the arrest of 21 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- The fishermen were brought to Kankesanthurai port after being apprehended close to Delft Islet.
- 2023 saw the arrest of 35 trawlers and 240 Indian fishermen.
The latest incident this month involves the arrest of 21 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of poaching into the nation’s territorial waters.
The fishermen were brought to Kankesanthurai port after being apprehended close to Delft Islet. They also seized their two trawlers. At least fifteen Indian fishermen were detained off the coast of Karainagar, and this led to the arrests.
Indian Fishermen Detained
This year, Sri Lanka has detained 146 fishermen from India, which has strained relations between the two countries. Due to the problem, there have been instances of Indian fishermen being shot at by Lankan Navy personnel in the Palk Strait, and their boats being seized.
Major fishing grounds for both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu are divided by the Palk Strait. As a result of their alleged violation of the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan seas, Indian fishermen are frequently detained by Sri Lankan authorities. 2023 saw the arrest of 35 trawlers and 240 Indian fishermen.