India has strongly condemned the use of force by the Sri Lankan Navy after an incident near Delft Island left five Indian fishermen injured, including two in critical condition. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Sri Lanka’s acting high commissioner in New Delhi on Tuesday to lodge a formal protest.
According to the MEA, the firing occurred during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the early hours. Two of the injured fishermen are receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others sustained minor injuries and were treated. Indian consulate officials in Jaffna have visited the hospital to check on their welfare and provide support to their families.
India Condemns Use of Force
In its statement, the MEA emphasized that the use of force is “unacceptable under any circumstances.” It called for adherence to existing agreements between the two nations to resolve such disputes.
“The government of India has always stressed the need for humane and humanitarian treatment of issues concerning fishermen, keeping their livelihood concerns in mind. Existing understandings must be strictly observed,” the MEA noted.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry.
Recurring Issue in Palk Strait
The firing incident underscores the ongoing tensions over fishing rights in the Palk Strait. Indian fishermen often face arrests and detentions by the Sri Lankan Navy, leading to repeated diplomatic interventions by India.
Recently, 41 Indian fishermen detained near Katchatheevu in September 2024 were repatriated to Chennai after efforts by India’s central and Tamil Nadu governments. Earlier in January, 15 more fishermen detained in separate incidents last year were also released.
India continues to engage diplomatically to ensure the safety and well-being of its fishermen while addressing the broader issue of cross-border fishing disputes.
