Sri Lanka Navy Arrests 7 Indian Fishermen for Alleged Poaching in Jaffna Waters

Sri Lanka Navy Detains Seven Indian Fishermen for Alleged Poaching Off Jaffna Coast

The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended seven Indian fishermen for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing activities within the island nation's territorial waters. This incident occurred on Tuesday near Kovilan, located in the northern Jaffna peninsula, according to an official statement released by the Navy.

Details of the Arrest and Seizure

During the operation, the Navy not only arrested the fishermen but also seized their two trawlers. The individuals taken into custody are set to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy in Jaffna for further legal proceedings. This development underscores the persistent challenges in maritime enforcement along the shared waters between India and Sri Lanka.

Historical Context of Fishermen Disputes

The issue of fishermen crossing maritime boundaries has long been a contentious point in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. Incidents involving the Sri Lankan Navy firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and confiscating their boats have been reported in the past, often linked to allegations of unauthorized entry into Sri Lankan waters.

The Palk Strait, a narrow body of water that separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, serves as a vital fishing ground for communities from both nations. Its rich marine resources attract fishermen, sometimes leading to inadvertent trespassing due to the close proximity of territorial limits.

Recent Trends and Data

In 2025, the Sri Lankan Navy documented the apprehension of 346 Indian fishermen for alleged poaching activities, along with the seizure of 44 trawlers. This data highlights the frequency of such incidents and the ongoing efforts by Sri Lankan authorities to patrol and protect their maritime boundaries.

Fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka are regularly arrested for unintentionally straying into each other's territorial waters, reflecting the complex dynamics of maritime governance and livelihood dependencies in the region.

These arrests add to the existing diplomatic tensions, as the fishermen issue remains a sensitive topic in bilateral talks. Both countries continue to navigate the delicate balance between enforcing maritime laws and addressing the socio-economic needs of fishing communities.