India Protests After Fatal Collision Between Fishing Boat and Sri Lankan Naval Vessel

India summoned the Sri Lankan envoy after a fatal collision between an Indian fishing boat and Sri Lankan naval vessel resulted in one fisherman’s death and another's disappearance. The incident occurred near the disputed island of Katchatheevu. Both countries seek a humanitarian approach to resolve fishing-related issues.

India has formally protested to Sri Lanka following a collision between an Indian fishing boat and a Sri Lankan naval vessel, an incident that resulted in the death of one fisherman and left another missing. The collision took place five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu, a contentious island that India ceded to Sri Lanka 50 years ago. Indian fishermen are currently prohibited from the waters surrounding the island.

"The government of India has always emphasised the need to deal with issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. Sri Lanka, aiming to prevent the escalation of this issue, expressed a desire to collaborate with India for a peaceful resolution, according to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.

"We understand this is about livelihoods and lives," Sabry added. "We would continue to talk to our Indian counterparts and find a permanent solution." According to India's foreign ministry, one of the four fishermen on the boat died and another remains missing, while the other two were brought ashore.

India ceded Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 and enforced a fishing ban on its waters in 1976, leading to ongoing discontent and two unresolved Supreme Court challenges in the past two decades. Fishermen from both nations have occasionally violated the pact, further complicating the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)