The continued arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy remains a persistent humanitarian and diplomatic concern, particularly for coastal communities in Tamil Nadu. Despite repeated assurances at bilateral levels, incidents of arrests, seizure of boats and prolonged detention continue to disrupt livelihoods that are already fragile. For families dependent on daily fishing income, each arrest translates into economic distress, psychological trauma and uncertainty, exposing the human cost behind an unresolved maritime dispute.At the core of the issue lies the long-standing disagreement over fishing rights in the Palk Strait, compounded by ecological pressures and the legacy of maritime boundary agreements. While Sri Lanka cites concerns over illegal fishing and depletion of marine resources, the frequent use of arrests and force appears disproportion measured against the livelihoods at stake. India, on its part, has often relied on diplomatic interventions for release, but these episodic efforts have failed to create a sustainable, long-term solution.
What is urgently required is a comprehensive and humane approach that moves beyond reactive diplomacy. Regular dialogue between fishermen’s representatives, joint mechanisms for sustainable fishing practices, and clearly defined no-arrest protocols could help de-escalate tensions. The issue must be addressed not merely as a question of sovereignty, but as a shared responsibility to protect traditional livelihoods and regional stability. Until then, the cycle of arrests will continue to strain bilateral ties and erode trust among the very communities that have historically shared these waters.