Lara Zijl 
New Delhi, India – Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, India has highlighted the ongoing issue of Indian fishermen caught in the decades-old maritime dispute between the two countries. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue is expected to be raised during Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
“I have no doubt that the Prime Minister will raise issues related to the welfare of our fishermen during his meeting with the Sri Lankan President,” Misri stated during a briefing on Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visits to Thailand and Sri Lanka.
The issue of fishermen has been a long-standing point of contention between India and Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan authorities frequently arresting Indian fishermen for allegedly crossing the international maritime boundary line. India has consistently advocated for a humanitarian approach to the issue, emphasizing the need to avoid the use of force and find mutually acceptable solutions.
Misri underscored India’s ongoing engagement with Sri Lankan authorities to resolve the issue, highlighting the establishment of a joint working group on fisheries to address the problem. He also mentioned that India has extended legal, medical, and other forms of assistance to affected fishermen and has facilitated the repatriation of released fishermen from Sri Lanka to India.
“Our effort is to continue to resolve these issues and find mutual agreement on these issues,” Misri said, expressing optimism that the ongoing dialogue between the two countries would eventually lead to long-lasting and mutually acceptable solutions.
The issue of fishermen is complex, rooted in agreements signed in the 1970s regarding the international maritime boundary line between India and Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two countries, encompassing discussions on trade, investment, and security cooperation.
