Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Vijay Urges Jaishankar to Address Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrests
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay wrote to India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
He is worried that Sri Lankan Navy personnel keep arresting fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
The letter mentioned that nine fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested on October 3.
Vijay said 20 fishermen were still in Sri Lankan prisons.
He also said 270 fishing boats were being held.
These problems can make it hard for fishing families to earn money.
Vijay asked India to urge Sri Lanka to stop the arrests and boat seizures.
He also wants the two countries to restart talks about fishing.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar about repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The latest incident cited in the letter occurred on October 3, when nine fishermen from Rameswaram were detained with their motor boat.
Vijay said 20 Tamil Nadu fishermen remained in Sri Lankan prisons and 270 fishing boats were in custody.
He urged Jaishankar to press Sri Lanka to end the recurring arrests and boat seizures, which he said were harming fishing families.
Vijay called for the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries to be revived and for talks between the countries to resume.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar; nine fishermen from Rameswaram were detained.
- What
- Vijay urged action over Sri Lankan Navy arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen and seizures of their boats.
- When
- The latest arrest cited occurred on October 3; Vijay sent his letter on Monday.
- Where
- The Palk Straits; the detained fishermen were from Rameswaram.
- Why
- Vijay said the arrests and boat seizures cause distress and financial difficulties for fishermen’s families.
- Latest incident
- Nine fishermen from Rameswaram were taken into custody on October 3.
- Boat detained
- Motor boat registration number IND-TN-10-MM-0457.
- Fishermen in custody
- Vijay said 20 Tamil Nadu fishermen remained in Sri Lankan prisons.
- Boats in custody
- Vijay said 270 fishing boats were being held.
- Requested action
- Revive the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries and convene a meeting.
- Location of concern
- Palk Straits.