Tensions Rise After Fatal Collision Between Indian Fishing Boat and Sri Lankan Navy

An Indian fisherman was killed and another went missing following a collision between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat in Sri Lankan waters. The incident, which occurred near the Delft islet, escalated tensions between the two nations, prompting a diplomatic response from India.

An Indian fisherman was killed and another went missing following a collision Thursday morning between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat in Sri Lankan territorial waters, officials said.

The incident happened off the West coast of the Delft islet in Jaffna, according to Navy spokesman Captain Gayan Wickremasuriya. 'The Navy was trying to arrest or make them flee. But they moved aggressively, causing a collision,' he stated.

The Indian trawler, carrying four fishermen, capsized due to aggressive maneuvers and rough sea conditions. One fisherman is missing, and the Navy is conducting a search operation. One rescued fisherman succumbed to his injuries while two remain in Naval custody.

In New Delhi, the Sri Lankan acting high commissioner was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs, where a strong protest was registered over the incident. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Colombo secured the release of 20 Indian fishermen.

The fishermen issue remains a contentious one in India-Sri Lanka relations, with numerous incidents of alleged illegal fishing and confrontations frequently occurring in the Palk Strait.