Following Modi’s Call, Sri Lanka Frees 11 Indian Fishermen As Special Gesture

Sri Lanka on Sunday released at least 11 Indian fishermen as a special gesture, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a "humane approach" to resolving the long-standing fishermen issue.

The matter featured prominently in discussions between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during their meeting on Saturday.

"We also discussed issues related to fishermen's livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter," Modi said in a media statement following the bilateral talks. He added, "We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats."

Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that at least 11 Indian fishermen were subsequently released as a gesture of goodwill.

The fishermen issue remains a sensitive and recurring point of friction between India and Sri Lanka. Over the years, there have been several reported incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen operating in the Palk Strait, a narrow channel that separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the issue had been discussed "in considerable detail" between the two nations.

"As the Prime Minister himself said, there was an emphasis on adopting a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperation, as these matters directly affect the livelihoods of fishermen on both sides of the Palk Bay," Misri explained.

He noted that the Prime Minister had also highlighted how certain recent actions affecting fishermen could be reconsidered, acknowledging the daily impact such issues have on their lives.

Misri further stated that both sides agreed on the importance of intensifying institutional-level discussions on the matter. He confirmed that India and Sri Lanka remain in contact regarding the potential scheduling of the next round of talks between the fishermen's associations of both countries.