India and Sri Lanka held detailed discussions on the issue of fishermen during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Colombo. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Sri Lankan authorities agreed to release 11 Indian fishermen “imminently.” He also indicated that more releases could follow in the coming days.
PM Modi Stresses Humanitarian Angle
During his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi highlighted the need to treat the fishermen matter with compassion. He urged Sri Lanka to reconsider some of their recent actions. Misri said, “The Prime Minister emphasized that at the end of the day, it’s a daily issue for the fishermen and that certain actions that have been taken in recent times could be reconsidered.”
PM Modi also pointed out how the issue directly affects the livelihoods of fishermen from both countries, especially those living near the Palk Bay.
Joint Mechanisms in Place
India and Sri Lanka have a joint working group (JWG) focused on fishermen’s issues. The sixth meeting of this group took place in October 2023. According to Misri, both countries are now considering the next round of talks between fishermen associations from both sides.
“As you are aware, there is a joint working group on fishermen between the two sides. Its sixth meeting was held last year in October… Both sides are in touch with each other on the possibility of convening the next round of Fisherman’s Association talks,” Misri said.
Leaders Push for Constructive Engagement
Both India and Sri Lanka agreed to intensify institutional engagement. Misri emphasized the need for ongoing discussions to avoid serious incidents at sea. This includes continued cooperation between the coast guards of both countries.
PM Modi’s Statement After Talks
In a joint press address with President Dissanayake, PM Modi said both sides agreed on taking a humanitarian view of the issue. He added, “We also discussed issues related to livelihood of fishermen. We agreed that we should proceed with a humanitarian approach in this matter. We also stressed on immediate release of fishermen and return of their boats. India and Sri Lanka’s relationship is based on mutual trust and goodwill.”
High-Level Meeting in Colombo
PM Modi arrived in Colombo on April 5, marking his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019. He was warmly welcomed with a ceremonial reception at Independence Square, the first of its kind for a foreign leader in Sri Lanka.
He also held delegation-level talks with President Dissanayake. The Indian side included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials.
Modi Visits Sri Lanka After BIMSTEC Summit
Before reaching Sri Lanka, PM Modi attended the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. There, he held bilateral talks with leaders including Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
