Tue Dec 23 09:29:55 UTC 2025: Summary:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting intervention to address the ongoing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested and having their boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy. He urges the Centre to convene a Joint Working Group meeting and hold fishermen-level talks to find a permanent solution. He highlights the recent arrest of 12 fishermen and the seizure of their boat, as well as the fact that 248 boats and 62 fishermen (including those from 2024) are currently held by Sri Lanka. Stalin calls for preventing further arrests and securing the release of those detained.

News Article:

The Hindu: Tamil Nadu CM Urges Centre to Resolve Fishermen Dispute with Sri Lanka

CHENNAI, December 23, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has penned a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, imploring the central government to take immediate action to resolve the long-standing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The letter, dated December 23, 2025, comes in response to the recent arrest of 12 fishermen from Rameswaram and the confiscation of their boat. Stalin emphasized the detrimental impact these actions have on the livelihoods of fishing communities in Tamil Nadu, causing significant distress.

“The continued arrest of our fishermen and the seizure of their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy have severely impacted their livelihoods and caused immense hardship and distress among the coastal fishing communities of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin wrote.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to utilize diplomatic channels to convene a Joint Working Group meeting and facilitate talks between fishermen from both countries to find a permanent and mutually acceptable solution.

Stalin also highlighted the alarming number of Tamil Nadu fishing vessels and personnel currently in Sri Lankan custody, stating that 248 boats and 62 fishermen, including those detained in 2024, remain under detention. He requested the Centre to take proactive measures to prevent future arrests and expedite the release of all detained fishermen and their boats.

The ongoing dispute has been a persistent source of tension between India and Sri Lanka, affecting the fishing communities along the Tamil Nadu coast.

Read More