Sri Lankan Navy Apprehends 13 Indian Fishermen Amid Rising Tensions

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 13 Indian fishermen for allegedly poaching in its territorial waters, bringing the total to 252 apprehensions this year. The fishermen were detained north of Delft Island, Jaffna, and handed over for legal proceedings. The issue remains a contentious point between India and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 13 Indian fishermen and seized their trawlers for allegedly poaching in its territorial waters. This incident takes the number of Indian nationals apprehended this year for such activities to 252, according to an official statement.

The fishermen were detained, and their three trawlers were confiscated north of Delft Island, Jaffna, according to a press release by the Sri Lanka Navy. A special operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard led to the arrests.

The detainees were brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings. The press release noted that the Navy has so far seized a total of 35 Indian trawlers and detained 252 Indian fishermen in 2024, who have all been handed over to authorities for legal action.