Sri Lanka Frees 11 Indian Fishermen in Goodwill Move After Modi’s Plea

Sri Lanka freed at least 11 Indian fishermen on Sunday in a notable goodwill gesture, just a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a compassionate resolution to the long-standing fishermen dispute during talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The release underscores a push toward addressing the contentious issue that has strained relations between the two nations.

The fishermen matter took center stage during Saturday’s discussions between Modi and Dissanayake. In a media statement following the meeting, Modi highlighted the need for a “humane approach” to tackle the issue, which affects the livelihoods of fishing communities on both sides. “We also emphasized the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats,” he added, signaling urgency in easing tensions.

Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the release of the 11 fishermen was a deliberate act of goodwill from Sri Lanka. The move comes amid recurring friction over incidents in the Palk Strait, a narrow waterway dividing Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, where Sri Lankan Navy personnel have allegedly used force against Indian fishermen in the past.

At a media briefing on Saturday, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the fishermen issue received “considerable detail” in the talks. He echoed Modi’s stance, stressing the importance of a “humanitarian and constructive approach” given its direct impact on livelihoods across the Palk Bay. Misri also revealed that Modi urged a rethink of recent actions, framing the matter as a daily struggle for fishermen that demands practical solutions.

Both nations agreed to ramp up institutional dialogue to address the issue, with Misri indicating that discussions are underway to schedule the next round of talks between fishermen’s associations from Sri Lanka and India. The development marks a step toward de-escalating a persistent thorn in bilateral ties, as reported.