Seven Indian fishermen, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the island nation’s waters, were repatriated on Wednesday, according to the Indian mission in Colombo. The Indian High Commission confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, "On their way home! 07 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka."

This follows last month’s repatriation of 30 Indian fishermen who were also arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The issue of fishermen straying into each other’s territorial waters remains a contentious subject in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. There have been several incidents of the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats for illegal entry. Sri Lankan authorities claim that Indian authorities display a similar attitude toward their fishermen.

The Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries. However, fishermen are frequently arrested for inadvertently trespassing into each other's territorial waters.

According to an official statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, the number of Indian fishermen arrested this year has increased to 333, while 45 trawlers have been seized. Earlier this month, the Indian government informed Parliament that at least 83 Indian fishermen are currently in judicial custody in Sri Lanka for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response in Rajya Sabha, confirmed that four Indian fishermen are serving sentences in Sri Lanka. Additionally, 169 Indian fishing vessels have been apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities. Singh was responding to a query about the Indian government’s actions following a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister dated July 11, 2024, requesting the release of 80 fishermen and 173 fishing boats detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Image source: India TV