Context:
- On February 8, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen near Mannar for alleged poaching and impounded two trawlers.
- On January 27, the Navy fired at an Indian boat near Delft Island, injuring two fishermen.
Rising Arrests:
- The number of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka in 2024 has crossed 500 (528), the highest in the last 10 years except for 2014 (787 arrests).
Legal Challenges:
- Sri Lankan courts have been imposing hefty fines and longer prison sentences, making releases more difficult.
Tamil Nadu CM’s Appeal:
- M.K. Stalin, in a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, stated that 97 fishermen and 216 boats remain in Sri Lankan custody.
Discontent Among Sri Lankan Fishermen:
- Northern Sri Lankan fishermen, recovering from the civil war, oppose Indian trawlers, especially destructive bottom trawling practices.
Lack of Dialogue:
- The last fishermen-level talks were held in November 2016, and Sri Lanka’s new government under Anura Kumara Dissanayake has shown reluctance to negotiate.
Need for New Solutions:
- A fresh diplomatic approach is required rather than a continuation of the current impasse.
Policy Recommendations:
- New Delhi should incentivize Indian fishermen to transition away from trawling.
- Immediate discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities should be facilitated.
- Sustainable fishing policies and proactive diplomacy are crucial for resolving the conflict.