Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Seeks Release of 38 Fishermen, Boats
Tamil Nadu says 38 fishermen are still being held by Sri Lanka.
Their 269 fishing boats are also under Sri Lankan custody.
The fishermen work in the Palk Bay area for their livelihoods.
Sri Lanka has accused some fishermen of crossing the sea boundary between the two countries.
Tamil Nadu says these arrests and boat seizures have caused hardship and fear.
The state government is asking India’s central government and Sri Lanka to help secure their release.
From 2021 to August 2026, 1,653 of 1,691 detained fishermen were released and returned.
Tamil Nadu also says that getting back Katchatheevu would help restore traditional fishing rights.
Tamil Nadu is seeking the release of 38 Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The state is also pursuing the return of 269 fishing boats held by Sri Lanka.
Between January 1, 2021, and August 28, 2026, 1,691 Tamil Nadu fishermen were apprehended; 1,653 were released and repatriated.
Fishermen are frequently detained and boats seized over allegations of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line in Palk Bay.
Minister A Srinath said Tamil Nadu is pursuing legal, diplomatic and administrative measures and supports retrieving Katchatheevu to restore traditional fishing rights.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu fishermen, the Tamil Nadu government, Minister A Srinath, the Sri Lankan Navy and the Union Government.
- What
- Tamil Nadu is seeking the release of 38 fishermen and the return of 269 fishing boats held by Sri Lanka.
- When
- The minister made the statement on Wednesday; the cited detention figures cover January 1, 2021, through August 28, 2026.
- Where
- The issue concerns fishing in Palk Bay and custody in Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The fishermen have been apprehended and their boats seized over allegations of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line, affecting their livelihoods.
- Fishermen still detained
- 38 Indian fishermen
- Fishing boats in custody
- 269 boats
- Total apprehended since 2021
- 1,691 Tamil Nadu fishermen
- Released and repatriated
- 1,653 fishermen
- Relevant period
- January 1, 2021, to August 28, 2026
- Disputed location
- Palk Bay
- Tamil Nadu’s stated position
- Retrieving Katchatheevu is necessary to restore traditional fishing rights