As a result of 32 Indian fishermen being arrested by Sri Lankan officials for fishing in disputed waters, tensions between the two countries have increased. The most recent incident, which resulted in the most fishermen being arrested in a single day this year, shows the continuous issues arising between the two nations. An urgent diplomatic solution is required because the repeated disputes over fishing rights worsen an already tense relationship.

The arrest took place in the northern region of Sri Lanka, close to Talaimannar and Delft Island. Three further Indian fishing boats, carrying twenty-five fishermen, were detained close to Delft Island, while two boats carrying seven fishermen were caught near Talaimannar. The fact that these fishermen are currently in legal hot water serves as a reminder of the continuous disputes over fishing rights.

Fishermen from both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu have historically found the Palk Strait to be a hazardous area. Notwithstanding efforts to find a solution, unintentional crossings into one another’s territorial seas frequently occur, escalating hostilities and jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of fishermen.

To establish a long-term solution, quick action is required, as 23 Indian boats and 178 fishermen have already been detained in Sri Lankan waters this year. In the absence of efficacious strategies to resolve fishing disputes, such occurrences will persist and complicate relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, events such as this affect local fishing populations, whose livelihoods depend on these waterways, in addition to worsening diplomatic relations. Resolving the fishing disputes is essential for the welfare of the fishermen and their families, who depend on these waters for their livelihood, as well as for the relationship between the two countries.