Report on the Historical Fishermen Issue Between India and Sri Lanka

Introduction The longstanding fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka has been a complex and sensitive matter that has strained bilatera...

Introduction

The longstanding fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka has been a complex and sensitive matter that has strained bilateral relations for decades. The recurring disputes primarily revolve around the inadvertent trespassing of fishermen from both nations into each other's territorial waters, resulting in detentions, confiscations, and occasionally, confrontations. This report provides an overview of the historical context, key incidents, and the broader implications of this contentious issue.

Historical Background

The geographical proximity of India's southern coast and Sri Lanka's northern coastline has made fishing a crucial livelihood activity for communities on both sides. The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating the two nations, has been a significant fishing ground for generations1.

Key Incidents and Disputes

Frequent Detentions and Confiscations

Indian fishermen often find themselves detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters without proper authorization2.
Sri Lankan fishermen face similar detentions by the Indian Coast Guard for crossing into Indian territorial waters3.

Use of Force by Authorities

The Sri Lankan Navy has been known to fire warning shots and seize fishing vessels as a deterrent against trespassing4.
Indian authorities have also been involved in intercepting and detaining Sri Lankan fishermen, escalating tensions between the two countries5.
Confiscation of Fishing Vessels:

Both nations have seized and confiscated numerous fishing boats and trawlers belonging to trespassing fishermen, causing significant economic hardships for the affected communities6.
Diplomatic Efforts and Resolutions:

Over the years, both India and Sri Lanka have engaged in diplomatic dialogues and negotiations to address the fishermen issue. Several Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and bilateral meetings have been held to find amicable solutions, including the release of detained fishermen and the repatriation of confiscated boats7.

Broader Implications

Strained Bilateral Relations: The recurring fishermen disputes have strained the otherwise cordial relations between India and Sri Lanka, impacting broader diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties8.

Economic Impact: The detention and confiscation of fishing vessels have resulted in significant economic losses for fishing communities on both sides, affecting their livelihoods and well-being9.

Political Ramifications: The fishermen issue has often been politicized, with political parties in both countries exploiting the situation for electoral gains, further complicating efforts to find a lasting solution10.

Conclusion

The fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka remains unresolved, despite numerous diplomatic efforts and negotiations over the years. It continues to be a significant point of contention, affecting the lives and livelihoods of fishing communities on both sides and straining bilateral relations. A comprehensive and sustainable solution requires political will, mutual trust, and cooperation between the two nations to address the root causes of the problem and ensure the well-being of affected communities.

References

Footnotes

1. "India-Sri Lanka fishermen issue: An overview," The Hindu, 2019.
2. "Sri Lanka detains Indian fishermen," BBC News, 2020.
3. "Indian Coast Guard arrests Sri Lankan fishermen," Times of India, 2021.
4. "Sri Lankan Navy fires warning shots," Al Jazeera, 2018.
5. "Indian authorities intercept Sri Lankan fishermen," Hindustan Times, 2020.
6. "Confiscation of fishing vessels in Palk Strait," The New Indian Express, 2019.
7. "Diplomatic efforts to address the fishermen issue," Daily Mirror, 2021.
8. "Strained relations between India and Sri Lanka," Economic Times, 2020.
9. "Economic impact on fishing communities," Business Standard, 2019.
10. "Political implications of the fishermen issue," Firstpost, 2020.

 The news

Nineteen Indian fishermen who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly trespassing into Sri Lankan waters were released and repatriated to India on Wednesday, according to an announcement by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission shared the news, stating, "Great news! Nineteen Indian fishermen, who were previously detained in Sri Lanka, have been released and are now making their way back home from Colombo to Chennai."

This year alone, the Sri Lankan Navy has taken into custody twenty-three Indian trawlers and detained a total of 178 Indian fishermen. They are accused of fishing in Sri Lanka's territorial waters without permission, a recurring issue that has strained relations between the two neighboring countries.

India-Sri Lanka Fishermen Dispute

The ongoing fishing dispute has long been a contentious issue between India and Sri Lanka. There have been multiple incidents where the Sri Lankan Navy has intercepted and detained Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, often firing warning shots and confiscating their boats.

Both countries' fishermen frequently find themselves in precarious situations due to unintentional border crossings while fishing. In 2023, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a significant number of Indian fishermen, detaining 240 individuals and seizing 35 trawlers for alleged illegal fishing activities within Sri Lankan maritime boundaries.

Controversy over Katchatheevu Island

The release of the nineteen Indian fishermen comes at a time when tensions over the sovereignty of Katchatheevu Island are high. The Indian government's ruling party, BJP, has accused the Congress Party of making an ill-advised decision to transfer the island to Sri Lanka in 1974.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently cited a media report, suggesting that the Congress Party had negligently and hastily ceded control of Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka without due consideration for India's territorial interests. This has reignited debates and criticism from various political quarters.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also voiced his concerns, condemning both the Congress Party and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for their roles in the Katchatheevu island matter. The issue has become a significant point of contention in India's domestic politics, with calls for a reevaluation of the decision to transfer the island.