Tamil Nadu CM seeks diplomatic aid for detained fishermen in Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has formally appealed to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking diplomatic intervention to secure the release of Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The most recent incident involved the arrest of nine fishermen from the Ramanathapuram district and the seizure of their mechanized fishing boat. This marks the second such apprehension reported in August alone. According to the Chief Minister, a total of 49 Indian fishermen currently remain in Sri Lankan custody.

Vijay noted that these repeated incidents have caused significant anxiety and insecurity among coastal communities in Tamil Nadu. He urged the central government to engage with Colombo to facilitate the safe repatriation of the fishermen and the return of their vessels. Sri Lankan authorities have historically defended these arrests as necessary enforcement of maritime boundaries to prevent illegal fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, which they claim damages local marine ecosystems.