Troubled waters: On India, Sri Lanka and the fisheries dispute

The fisheries dispute in the Palk Bay region has escalated with the recent arrest of 14 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged poaching. This marks a continuation of a long-standing conflict between Tamil Nadu fishermen and Sri Lanka over fishing rights and violations of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The total number of Indian fishermen detained this year has reached 77, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Increasing Arrests and Legal Challenges

• Recent Arrests and Incidents: Recently, Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, and two trawlers were impounded. Earlier, the Sri Lankan Navy fired at an Indian boat, injuring two fishermen.
• Court Challenges: The issue of detentions has worsened, with Sri Lankan courts imposing large fines and long prison sentences. Recent data reveals a steep rise in arrests, with over 500 Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka in 2024, the highest in a decade.
• Complications in Release: Despite some releases, such as the nine fishermen from Karaikal, the imposition of heavy fines and convictions for IMBL violations has complicated the swift release of detained fishermen.

Sri Lanka's Fishermen's Concerns

• Tensions over Fishing Methods: Sri Lankan fishermen, particularly those in the Northern Province, have expressed opposition to bottom trawling methods employed by Indian fishermen, citing ecological damage to their waters.
• Economic and Environmental Strain: The over-exploitation of marine resources by Indian fishermen has contributed to tensions, as Northern Sri Lankan fishermen are still recovering from the civil war and seek sustainable fishing practices to protect their waters.
• Calls for a Sustainable Solution: Local communities in Sri Lanka are advocating for a solution that considers both ecological sustainability and economic needs, pushing for restrictions on harmful fishing practices.

Need for Diplomatic Intervention and Long-Term Solutions

• India-Sri Lanka Talks: Despite repeated requests for dialogue between fishermen of both nations, the Sri Lankan government has been reluctant to engage in meaningful negotiations. The last such talks were held in 2016, and the issue was also raised during a meeting in Colombo in October 2024.
• Proactive Diplomacy: The ongoing arrests signal the need for a new diplomatic approach to resolve the fisheries conflict, moving beyond the status quo and addressing the concerns of both sides.
• Incentivizing Change: New Delhi must explore incentives to encourage Tamil Nadu fishermen to transition from ecologically destructive practices like trawling. This shift will require time but should be supported by proactive discussions and immediate steps to ensure a more sustainable fishing approach.

Practice Question:

Q. Discuss the key issues and challenges arising from the fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Bay region. How can diplomatic intervention and sustainable fishing policies help resolve this long-standing conflict?