Sri Lanka released at least 11 Indian fishermen as a special gesture, a day after PM Narendra Modi called for resolving the long-standing fishermen issue with a ‘humane approach’.
The matter had figured prominently in the discussions between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during their meeting on Saturday.
In his media statement after meeting President Dissanayake, PM Modi emphasized the importance of addressing the fishermen’s issue through a humanitarian lens.
The Prime Minister stated, “We discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter.”
PM Modi further added, “We also emphasized the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats,” and Sri Lanka reflected this sentiment by releasing the 11 fishermen as a goodwill gesture.
The fishermen issue has long been a contentious point in Sri Lanka-India relations, particularly in the Palk Strait, which separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.
Several incidents in the past have involved Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen.
At a media briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the two sides discussed the fishermen issue in ‘considerable detail’ during the talks.
He highlighted the need for a humanitarian and constructive approach to resolving the issue, as it affects the livelihoods of fishermen on both sides of the Palk Bay.
“As the Prime Minister mentioned, it is a daily issue for the fishermen, and certain actions taken recently may need to be reconsidered,” Misri said.
He also noted that both sides had agreed to intensify institutional discussions on the issue.
The two sides expressed their commitment to continuing dialogues on the fishermen issue.
Foreign Secretary Misri revealed that both countries are in touch with each other to arrange the next round of fishermen’s association talks between Sri Lanka and India.
The release of the fishermen and the ongoing discussions signal a positive step toward resolving the longstanding dispute that has affected the livelihoods of fishermen in the region.
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