On Thursday, Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, assuring that the Centre would take proactive steps to secure the release of detained fishermen in Sri Lanka. Jaishankar noted that 34 Indian fishermen are currently under judicial remand in Sri Lanka, while six others have been convicted and are serving sentences there. He also highlighted the NDA government’s efforts to address the livelihood concerns of the fishing community.

“The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been promptly and consistently advocating for the early release of those detained. You are also aware that this issue dates back to 1974, following an agreement between the then Union Government and the State Government,” Jaishankar wrote. “Since taking office in 2014, the NDA government has worked to protect the livelihood interests of our fishing community and its humanitarian aspects. These efforts continue on multiple fronts, including engaging with the Government of Sri Lanka. You may be assured that we give the utmost priority to the welfare and security of Indian fishermen and will always do so,” he added.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously written three letters to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on June 19, 24, and 25, urging him to secure the immediate release of all the fishermen and their fishing boats apprehended by Sri Lanka. “I wish to draw your attention to the apprehension of four fishermen from Tamil Nadu on June 18, 2024, by the Sri Lankan Navy. These fishermen, who set out from the Kottaipattinam fishing harbour in Pudukottai District on their mechanized fishing boat, were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy,” Stalin wrote. He also mentioned that “these incidents not only disrupt the livelihoods of the fishermen but also instill a sense of fear and uncertainty among their families and the entire coastal communities.”