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Thirty Indian fishermen who had been detained by Sri Lankan authorities arrived in Chennai this week after being released from custody and repatriated to India.
The fishermen, who are from the coastal districts of Rameswaram and Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, had been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy after being accused of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line whilst fishing in waters between Tamil Nadu and the North-East of the island.
Following their arrest, the fishermen were produced before Sri Lankan courts and remanded in custody.
Their release was subsequently secured following diplomatic engagement between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities.
According to media reports, the fishermen were handed over to Indian officials before being repatriated to Tamil Nadu, where they arrived in Chennai on Thursday.
The latest release comes amid continuing tensions across the Palk Strait, where Tamil Nadu fishermen are frequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities on allegations of entering Sri Lankan waters.
The issue remains a longstanding source of friction between India and Sri Lanka, particularly affecting fishing communities in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam. Fishermen on both sides have repeatedly called for a sustainable resolution that protects livelihoods whilst addressing disputes over fishing practices and maritime boundaries.
In recent years, Sri Lankan authorities have intensified arrests of Indian fishermen and the seizure of fishing vessels, prompting repeated diplomatic interventions from New Delhi and protests from fishing communities in Tamil Nadu.
