Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Sri Lankan counterpart, Harini Amarasuriya, at his official residence in New Delhi on Friday. This marked Amarasuriya’s first official visit to India since assuming office in September 2024.
Following their meeting, Prime Minister Modi said the talks focused on key areas of mutual interest, including development cooperation, innovation, education, women’s empowerment, and the welfare of fishermen.
“Glad to welcome Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ms. Harini Amarasuriya. Our discussions covered a broad range of areas, including education, women’s empowerment, innovation, development cooperation, and welfare of our fishermen,” Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “As close neighbors, our cooperation holds immense importance for the prosperity of both nations and the shared region,” he added.
Meeting Follows Stalin’s Letter on Tamil Nadu Fishermen
The meeting came just a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Modi urging him to raise the issue of Indian fishermen’s welfare during Amarasuriya’s visit.
In his letter, Stalin highlighted that persistent incidents of harassment and detention by the Sri Lankan Navy have caused significant distress to Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities. “Since 2021, a total of 1,482 fishermen and 198 fishing boats have been apprehended in 106 incidents, resulting in severe economic and emotional distress,” Stalin wrote.
He noted that the Tamil Nadu government has made repeated appeals to the Centre, submitting over 72 formal representations and 11 letters to the External Affairs Ministry regarding the issue. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to ensure the matter is addressed directly during bilateral talks with the visiting Sri Lankan leader.
Katchatheevu Island and Detained Fishermen Raised
In the same letter, Stalin also reiterated Tamil Nadu’s long-standing demand for the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka decades ago without the state’s consent.
“I request you to initiate dialogue with the visiting Prime Minister to retrieve Katchatheevu and restore the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Bay region,” the Chief Minister stated.
He further pointed out that 76 fishermen and 242 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu remain in Sri Lankan custody. “I urge you to ensure their prompt release and repatriation to relieve the suffering of these families,” Stalin said.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s three-day visit to India is expected to include discussions on trade, maritime cooperation, and regional security, with a strong emphasis on addressing recurring issues faced by fishermen on both sides of the Palk Strait.
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