13 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy repatriated

13 Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters have been repatriated to India.

According to Indian news reports, they were sent back yesterday with the assistance of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

13 Indian fishermen are on their way home after being successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/im0CEnZGmL — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) August 16, 2024

The Sri Lankan Navy frequently detains Indian fishermen and fishing vessels for entering Sri Lankan waters and fishing illegally. 17 people detained in this manner were also repatriated to India on Wednesday of last week. Furthermore, 21 people arrested in this manner earlier this month were also sent back.

This fishermen issue is one of the problems that strains relations between India and Sri Lanka. While reports have stated that Sri Lankan forces sometimes attack Indian fishermen, an Indian fisherman died and another went missing in a clash between Sri Lankan forces and an Indian fishing boat on the first of this month.

It has also been reported that Indian forces sometimes confront Sri Lankan fishermen who enter Indian waters to fish.

The Palk Strait, located on the maritime boundary separating the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, is a region rich in fisheries for both countries. Fishermen from both countries sometimes intentionally go to this area to catch fish. Sometimes, fishermen from both countries also cross the maritime boundary by mistake or due to distress.