New Delhi

In response to his letter, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin received a letter from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to obtain the release of all fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In his letter, Jaishankar stated that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been aggressively and regularly pursuing issues pertaining to the early release of individuals under arrest.

As of June 26, six fishermen were incarcerated in Sri Lanka after being found guilty while 34 Indian fishermen were on judicial remand. Jaishankar stated, The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been taking up such cases for the early release of those detained expeditiously and consistently.

Stalin was reassured by Jaishankar that the Indian fishing community’s interests were still being addressed.

The NDA Government has worked to address the livelihood interests and humanitarian aspects of our fishing community since taking office in 2014. These initiatives are ongoing, the EAM stated.

Their various facets, which include interacting with the Sri Lankan government. We always prioritize the safety and well-being of Indian fishermen, so you can rest certain of that, he continued.

On June 25, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended one mechanized fishing boat bearing registration number IND-TN-12-MM-5138 and ten fishermen from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour, Stalin wrote in a letter addressed to the EAM.