No Proposal for New Fishing Rights Agreement in Palk Strait Between India and Sri Lanka

Currently, there is no ongoing discussion between India and Sri Lanka regarding a new fishing rights agreement in the Palk Strait, as stated by the Centre in Parliament. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh mentioned that previous agreements relevant to this issue were made in 1974 and 1976. This information was provided in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The Ministry of External Affairs was questioned about any steps taken or planned by the government for a new agreement with Sri Lanka on fishing rights in the Palk Strait. Singh reiterated that no such proposal is under consideration at present. He also provided data on Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities and the number of boats seized over the past 11 years.

Fishing Rights and Arrests

Indian fishermen are occasionally detained by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. According to Singh, 454 Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested in 2015, 290 in 2016, 229 in 2022, 526 in 2024, and 135 up to March 22, 2025. The government prioritises the safety and welfare of these fishermen.

The Indian government has consistently addressed the issue of releasing and repatriating Indian fishermen and their boats with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels. This includes bilateral mechanisms and official interactions, such as a recent meeting between the Prime Minister and the Sri Lankan President on December 16, 2024.

Diplomatic Efforts and Support

In all discussions, India has urged Sri Lanka to consider this matter on humanitarian and livelihood grounds. Additionally, Indian missions and consulates in Sri Lanka regularly visit local jails and detention centres to check on Indian fishermen's conditions, offering necessary assistance, including legal aid.

Fishermen-related issues are also addressed through bilateral institutional mechanisms like the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries, which includes representatives from Tamil Nadu. The last JWG meeting took place on October 29, 2024. Through sustained diplomatic efforts, India has secured the release and repatriation of 615 fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities since 2024.

The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its fishermen while continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve these issues with Sri Lanka. The focus is on maintaining peaceful relations while addressing concerns related to fishing rights and detentions.