New Delhi, August 1, 2024–The incident has evoked diplomatic ire in respect of Sri Lanka from India that arose from a collision in the waters off Sri Lanka late Thursday by a naval vessel of Sri Lanka and an Indian fishing boat. An Indian fisherman died while another one remains missing.
The collision was reported to have taken place about five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu island, which remains one of the focal points of maritime disputes between India and Sri Lanka.
Official reports have stated that the collision concerns a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat around the disputed maritime boundary. Of the four Indian fishermen aboard, one died, another is missing, and two were picked up and brought ashore in Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka. The search operation is underway for the missing fisherman.
Diplomatic Response
In response to the incident, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner, Priyanga Wickremesinghe, to express deep concern and register a formal protest. The ministry emphasized the need for humane treatment of fishermen and adherence to existing bilateral agreements and highlighted, “The government of India has consistently maintained that the consideration of issues involving fishermen should always be met with humane and humanitarian measures.”
India’s High Commissioner in Colombo, Santosh Jha, would also engage with the Sri Lankan government to handle the incident and avert such occurrences in the future.
Historical Context
The waters surrounding Katchatheevu island have long held a contentious history between India and Sri Lanka. In 1974, India transferred the island to Sri Lanka, following a 1976 agreement prohibiting Indian fishermen from operating in those waters.
Despite these agreements, disputes continue with fishermen from both countries often accused of violating maritime boundaries. There have been several incidents in recent years that have led to arrests.
The Tensions That Followed
This incident follows high tension after the killing of a Sri Lankan Navy personnel during an operation for seizing an Indian fishing boat in July. Such occurrences have made the already contentious relations concerning fishing rights and maritime boundaries between the two countries even more prickly.
Appeals to Solve
Indian authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensure the safety and security of its fishermen. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The existing understandings between the two governments in that regard need to be adhered to strictly. Every possible effort should be ensured so that such occurrences do not get repeated, and there may not be any recourse to force.”
Sri Lanka itself wants to avoid escalation. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said, “We understand this is a matter of livelihoods and lives. We are in contact with our Indian counterparts to obtain a long-term solution.”
Local Outrage
The incident has sparked widespread anger in Tamil Nadu, where fishing is a prized occupation among many coastal families. Protests have erupted, with fishermen calling for justice and added protection. The Tamil Nadu government also announced ₹5 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased fisherman and a lakh to injured fishermen.
International Implications
Maritime disputes continue to be an issue of graver international repercussions between India and Sri Lanka, to the extent that bilateral relations thrive on peaceful resolution mechanisms. There is immense pressure on both countries to arrive at a mutually sustainable solution, respecting uses and abuses of territory while factoring in the livelihood of fishing communities.
