12 Indian Fishermen Detained in Sri Lankan Waters: Ongoing Maritime Dispute Escalates

The ongoing fishermen dispute continues to strain diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Colombo authorities reported that a group of 12 Indian fishermen were detained on Sunday in northern Sri Lankan waters near Jaffna, with their fishing vessel also being confiscated.

The detention operation was jointly executed by Sri Lanka's Northern Naval Command and Coast Guard personnel.

"During the early morning hours of September 28, 2025, Sri Lankan naval forces intercepted one Indian fishing boat and detained 12 Indian nationals who were illegally fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters off Delft Island in Jaffna," according to an official Navy statement.

Naval authorities identified multiple Indian fishing vessels "conducting unauthorized fishing activities while illegally entering Sri Lankan waters," the statement continued.

Following their arrest, both the seized vessel and fishermen were transported to Kankasanthurei harbor and subsequently transferred to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal action.

This fishermen controversy remains a significant point of tension in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, with previous incidents involving Sri Lankan Navy reportedly firing upon Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and confiscating their boats when allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan territorial waters.