India Works to Bring Back 10 Fishermen from Sri Lanka

Ministry of External Affairs and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Speak Out

New Delhi, June 28: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has stated that India is prioritizing the welfare of 10 Indian fishermen who were arrested by Sri Lanka on June 24. These fishermen are facing charges related to the death of a Sri Lankan Navy sailor during an operation to apprehend them.

During a weekly press briefing, Jaiswal said, “We have always attached the highest importance to the welfare of our fishermen who get caught abroad, and we have tried our best to bring them back.” He added that the MEA is aware of the situation and has raised the issue with Sri Lankan authorities.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the detention of Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka. Stalin mentioned that the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a fishing boat and ten fishermen from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour on June 25, 2024. He highlighted that in 2024 alone, 203 fishermen and 27 boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Stalin requested Jaishankar’s immediate intervention to secure the release of 47 fishermen and 166 fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody. He emphasized that such incidents disrupt the livelihood of fishermen and create fear and uncertainty in their community.

In response, Jaishankar assured that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna are working expeditiously to secure the early release of detained fishermen. He noted that as of June 26, 34 Indian fishermen are under judicial remand in Sri Lanka, and six others are serving sentences in Sri Lankan jails.

Jaishankar reaffirmed that efforts to address the interests of the Indian fishing community continue.