India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urges Sri Lanka to free detained fishermen and reviews $350 m reconstruction aid

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Colombo, meeting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and other senior officials. The talks covered mutual interests, a review of key bilateral projects and the signing of INR‑denominated lines of credit worth $350 million, part of a $450 million reconstruction package pledged by India after Cyclone Ditwah.

Misri also raised the long‑standing issue of Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan navy, urging Colombo to fast‑track the release of the fishermen and their vessels. The detention of crews, mainly from Tamil Nadu, has been a recurring source of tension in the Palk Strait, affecting coastal communities’ livelihoods. Both sides expressed a desire to deepen cooperation under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and to prevent future maritime disputes.