Jaishankar Pledges Support to Tamil Nadu Fishermen Amid Sri Lanka Tensions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured Tamil Nadu fishermen of plans to facilitate discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities. He also addressed recent arrests by Lankan authorities and the death of a Rameswaram fisherman. The central government’s commitment to protecting Indian fishermen was reiterated.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday assured a delegation of Tamil Nadu fishermen that a meeting between the fishing communities of India and Sri Lanka will be facilitated to discuss the issues affecting them.

Jaishankar addressed recent apprehensions of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, stating that these issues would be tabled at an upcoming Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group meeting. Tamil Nadu BJP state chief K Annamalai also emphasized that the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka was summoned and a strong protest registered over the death of a Rameswaram fisherman.

The delegation of fishermen and senior BJP leaders requested a permanent solution to the recurring attacks on Indian fishermen in the high seas bordering Sri Lanka. They also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and prevent further killings. Jaishankar reaffirmed the central government's commitment to standing 'shoulder to shoulder' with Tamil fishermen and acknowledged the Centre's efforts to secure the return of detained fishermen and the mortal remains of the deceased Rameswaram fisherman.

(With inputs from agencies.)