Lok Sabha Question No. 961 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Arrest of Fishermen  by Sri Lankan Navy
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Km. Sudha R, Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan, Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M., Shri Manickam Tagore B, Shri Raja A, Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar, Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth, Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P, Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 961 ANSWERED ON- 05/12/2025 ARREST OF FISHERMAN BY SRI LANKAN NAVY

961. SHRI RAJA A, SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B, DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI   THANGAPANDIAN,   SHRI   VIJAYAKUMAR   ALIAS   VIJAY VASANTH,   THIRU   THANGA   TAMILSELVAN,   KM.   SUDHA   R,   SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M., SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR, DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P

Will the Minister of  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) the number of Indian fishermen languishing in Jails in different countries, country-wise;

(b) whether the Government has taken serious note of the fact that more than 750 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities including the recent arrest and use of force against the fishermen near Delft Island, if so, the details thereof along

with the representation/letter, if  any, received from MPs and CM of Tamil Nadu in this regard during the last three years till date; (c) whether the Government has taken diplomatic steps and swift action to get the fishermen and their boats released immediately and if so, the details thereof; (d) the steps taken by the Union Government to make a strong and coordinated effort to find a permanent amicable solution to this grave issue; (e) whether any fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka are still detained and are facing trial, if  so, the details thereof including the length of their incarceration; (f) whether injured fishermen have received immediate compensation or rehabilitation from the Central Government, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (g) whether the Government has failed to deploy stronger maritime protection measures in our own waters, allowing foreign naval forces to repeatedly intimidate, attack and arrest Indian fishermen with impunity and if  so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to g)  Details regarding apprehension of  Indian fishermen abroad are as follows:

| Country    | Number of Fishermen in custody            |
|------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Sri Lanka  | 66 (18 under trial, 48 serving sentences) |
| Pakistan   | 200                                       |
| Bangladesh | 70                                        |
| Iraq       | 02                                        |

Indian fishermen are arrested from time to time by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.   The IMBL was agreed upon between the Governments of  India and Sri Lanka in 1974.  The then-State Government of   Tamil   Nadu   was   consulted   by   the   Union   Government   before   its finalization.   Another agreement in 1976, through a formal exchange of

letters   by   the   then-Union   Government   and   its   Sri   Lankan   counterpart, stipulated that the fishing vessels and fishermen of  India shall not engage in fishing in the historic waters, the territorial sea and the exclusive zone of  Sri Lanka.  In view of  this situation that has been inherited, Government has, since 2014, endeavored to address the livelihood interests of  the Indian fishing community and focused on its humanitarian aspects. The Government   has   continuously   engaged   the   Sri   Lankan   leadership   and relevant authorities to ensure the welfare of  our fishermen as well as work for their early release and repatriation. Whenever   reports   of   injuries   to   Indian   fishermen   are   received,   the

Government through diplomatic channels immediately takes up the matter with the Government of  Sri Lanka. Prompt steps are taken by Indian Missions and Posts to seek consular access to ensure their welfare as well as their early release. The Sri Lankan Government has been repeatedly requested to treat this issue as a humanitarian and livelihood concern. It has been stressed that force should not be used under any circumstances. Further, all issues related to fishermen are also dealt with through bilateral institutional   mechanisms   such   as   the   regular   meetings   of   the   Joint

Working   Group   on   fisheries,   which   includes   representatives   from   the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Concerted efforts of  the Government have so far resulted in the release and repatriation of  3622 Indian fishermen since May 2014. In addition, Government facilitated the visit of  a crew of  Indian fishermen to inspect and salvage boats released by Sri Lankan Courts on 25 August 2025.

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