Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Parliamentary Panel Urges Deeper India-Sri Lanka Ties
A group of Indian lawmakers has suggested ways for India and Sri Lanka to work more closely.
They want India to ask Sri Lanka to limit penalties for Indian fishermen and not take away their boats.
The panel said 39 Indian fishermen were in Sri Lankan custody on August 31, 2026.
It also proposed more travel links, such as flights and ferry routes.
The report says India sells more to Sri Lanka than Sri Lanka sells to India.
It recommends improving trade and continuing work on a possible agreement called ETCA.
The panel also said the two countries need to keep discussing difficult topics, including fishermen and Tamil aspirations.
It noted that Sri Lanka had assured India its territory would not be used against India's security interests.
A parliamentary panel urged India to negotiate shorter sentences and avoid vessel confiscation for Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lankan waters.
The report says 39 Indian fishermen were in Sri Lankan custody as of August 31, 2026; 29 were awaiting trial.
The panel recommended expanding ferry routes and direct flights, including considering a Thoothukudi-Colombo ferry service.
It said India-Sri Lanka trade is structurally asymmetrical in India’s favour and supported efforts to improve trade and consider an expanded agreement such as ETCA.
The report describes fishermen, Tamil aspirations and external strategic footprints as sensitive issues requiring sustained bilateral engagement.
- Who
- India’s parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, made recommendations to the Indian government concerning Sri Lanka.
- What
- The panel urged deeper bilateral ties, action on fishermen’s disputes, better transport links and efforts to address trade asymmetry.
- When
- The report was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker on September 25; the article also cites custody figures as of August 31, 2026.
- Where
- India and Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The panel said sensitive bilateral issues and the trade imbalance require sustained engagement and closer cooperation.
- Report title
- India-Sri Lanka Relations and the Way Ahead
- Committee chair
- Congress leader Shashi Tharoor
- Fishermen in custody
- 39 Indian fishermen were in Sri Lankan custody as of August 31, 2026.
- Awaiting trial
- 29 of the 39 fishermen were awaiting trial.
- Suggested ferry route
- Thoothukudi to Colombo was identified as a potential route.
- ETCA negotiations
- Fourteen rounds of negotiations had been held.
- Katchatheevu
- The panel said the matter was sub judice in India's Supreme Court.
- Report submission
- Submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker on September 25.