Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen in goodwill gesture after PM Modi's visit

Fourteen Indian fishermen lodged in Sri Lankan jails have been released. The release of the fishermen came within hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. The arrest and release of the fishermen was being discussed for a long time, which finally succeeded after the talks between the two leaders. During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we have talked about the issues of fishermen. We agreed that we should move with a humanitarian approach.

Immediate release of fishermen and return of their boats

We have insisted on the immediate release of fishermen and return of their boats.The arrest of Indian fishermen, mainly from Tamil Nadu, by Sri Lankan authorities for alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters had created tensions. Such incidents have come to the fore many times. This is the reason that this issue was the center of discussion in the meeting of the leaders of the two countries.

More than 119 fishermen arrested this year

Since the beginning of 2025, 119 Indian fishermen and 16 fishing boats have reportedly been apprehended by the Sri Lankan military, raising concerns in coastal communities and repeated appeals for intervention. Addressing a press conference after the talks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "We have been told that the Sri Lankan authorities have decided to immediately release the 14 fishermen, and probably some more will be released in the coming days."

Both sides had a "detailed discussion"

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it was a subject on which both sides had a "detailed discussion". As the Prime Minister himself said during his speech, the need for a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperation on these issues was emphasized, as these are issues that affect the livelihood of fishermen on both sides.