In the early hours of Monday, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 35 fishermen from Tamil Nadu in two separate incidents for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. This includes 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam district and four from Ramanathapuram district, along with their fishing boats.The 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam were in three mechanized boats belonging to P Anandakumar, R Pari, and P Raja. They had set sail from Akkaraipettai and Thopputhurai fishing harbors.
The four fishermen from Ramanathapuram were in a country craft. All were intercepted near Neduntheevu and taken to Kankesanthurai port in northern Sri Lanka for interrogation. The Sri Lankan Navy seized the boats and fishing equipment as well.
Reacting strongly to these repeated incidents affecting fishermen’s livelihoods and instilling fear and insecurity in their communities, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin immediately wrote to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
In his letter, Stalin urged for urgent diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of all detained fishermen along with their fishing boats. He highlighted that as of now, 114 fishermen and 247 boats are under Sri Lankan custody due to such recurring incidents.
Stalin emphasized that these arrest episodes cause profound distress among fishing communities whose lives depend on the sea, depriving families of their main source of income and creating a climate of insecurity. He called for expedited diplomatic intervention to prevent further disruptions to the fishermen’s livelihoods and to seek a sustainable solution to the ongoing cross-border fishing disputes that regularly lead to such arrests.
The incidents have triggered anxiety within the fishing communities of Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram, with calls from fishermen’s associations urging the governments of India and Sri Lanka to engage in renewed bilateral talks. These talks aim to clearly delineate fishing boundaries and possibly establish joint patrols to reduce conflicts and accidental crossing of the maritime boundary.
The recurring nature of these arrests underscores ongoing tensions in the Palk Bay region and the pressing need for a long-term resolution protecting fishermen from both sides.
In response to the arrest, officials have pointed out that rough seas, limited navigational aids, and the search for fish sometimes force boats close to or across the IMBL unintentionally. The fishermen are currently under legal scrutiny in Sri Lanka and may face court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government and central authorities continue their diplomatic efforts to secure their prompt release and safe return.
This latest incident follows previous rounds of arrests and releases earlier in 2025, reflecting the persistent challenges in managing maritime boundaries and protecting fisherfolk rights in the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coastal areas.
This situation remains a sensitive bilateral issue requiring sustained diplomacy to safeguard the security and livelihoods of Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities caught in the crossfire of regional maritime disputes.