A total of 97 Indian fishermen are currently in the custody of Sri Lanka, with 83 serving sentences, three awaiting trial, and 11 apprehended on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha.
During the Question Hour, Jaishankar stated that India is actively engaging with Sri Lanka to adopt a humanitarian approach to the issue. The Centre is also implementing long-term solutions, such as installing transponders on fishing boats, to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Historical Agreements Behind the Issue
Jaishankar pointed out that the root cause of the current situation lies in decisions made in 1974 and 1976 regarding the international maritime boundary. “In 1974, the then Union government, in consultation with the state government, delineated the maritime boundary. Later in 1976, an exchange of letters between India and Sri Lanka further defined fishing jurisdictions. These decisions have led to the ongoing challenges,” he explained.
Current Situation and Diplomatic Efforts
The minister highlighted that as of March 26, there were 86 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. However, with the apprehension of another trawler carrying 11 fishermen, the total number has risen to 97.
“Among those serving sentences, many are boat owners or repeat offenders, making the issue more complex,” Jaishankar said. “We are working diplomatically to secure their release while simultaneously implementing measures to prevent future incidents.”
To address the situation, the Indian government is encouraging the installation of transponders on fishing boats under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative, with an allocation of ₹20,050 crore, aims to minimize inadvertent crossings into Sri Lankan waters by tracking boats more effectively.
Statistics on Fishermen Detained and Released
According to Jaishankar’s written reply, Sri Lanka apprehended 147 Indian fishermen in 2025, including 135 from Tamil Nadu and 10 from Puducherry. In 2024, a total of 560 fishermen were detained, with 526 from Tamil Nadu and 29 from Puducherry.
So far in 2025, 76 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 9 from Puducherry have been released, while in 2024, 501 Tamil Nadu and 29 Puducherry fishermen were freed.
Long-Term Solutions and State Cooperation
Jaishankar emphasized that the long-term solution involves providing alternatives to fishermen. The government plans to support deep-sea fishing vessels, modern equipment, and alternative livelihood options.
However, he stressed the need for cooperation from state governments and fishermen committees to effectively implement these measures. “We need their support to ensure a clear understanding of the initiatives that can minimize risks for our fishing communities,” he said.
The issue of Indian fishermen being arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters remains a persistent challenge, but the Indian government continues to seek diplomatic and technological solutions to safeguard the livelihoods and safety of its fishermen.
Sources By Agencies
