In the latest incident escalating tensions in the fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 18 Indian fishermen and seized their trawlers for allegedly engaging in poaching activities in Sri Lankan waters. This marks the third such incident this month, indicating the persistent challenges in managing territorial boundaries and fishing rights in the Palk Strait.
The arrest took place off the coast of Mannar in the northeast, a region that has witnessed multiple confrontations between the two nations over fishing practices. The fishermen were taken into custody, and their vessels were seized, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s strict stance against what it perceives as unauthorized fishing activities within its territorial waters.
The fishing dispute in the Palk Strait has been a longstanding issue, often straining diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka. The contentious nature of this matter has led to repeated incidents of arrests, vessel seizures, and even instances of the Sri Lankan Navy firing upon Indian fishermen who allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line.
The Palk Strait, separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, holds significance as a rich fishing ground for both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. The proximity and abundance of marine resources in this area have intensified competition and disputes, leading to periodic clashes over fishing rights and territorial boundaries.
This incident adds to the complex dynamics of maritime relations between the two neighbouring countries. Despite periodic efforts to address the issue through bilateral talks, the recurrence of such incidents highlights the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to find a lasting resolution to the fishing dispute in the Palk Strait.
In 2023, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 240 Indian fishermen and seized 35 trawlers for alleged poaching in its waters, underscoring the persistent challenges and confrontations in the region. The ongoing arrests contribute to the broader narrative of strained relations and underscore the urgency of finding diplomatic solutions to prevent future escalations in the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute.
