India's External Affairs Minister has informed Parliament that the government is actively engaging with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and boats held in Sri Lankan custody.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that the Indian government is pursuing the early release of Indian fishermen and their vessels held by Sri Lankan authorities through bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic engagement. In a parliamentary statement, the government emphasized that it prioritizes the safety and welfare of fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu who face frequent detention for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.

As of late July 2026, Sri Lankan custody held 27 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 249 fishing boats, according to official data. The detention figures have shown significant variation in recent years, with 119 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 17 boats apprehended in 2026, compared to 317 fishermen and 43 boats seized in 2025, and 526 fishermen along with 72 boats taken into custody in 2024.

The Indian government has raised the matter with Colombo at multiple official and high-level meetings, requesting that the issue be addressed on humanitarian and livelihood grounds. The two nations also discuss fisheries-related concerns through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, which involves representatives from the Tamil Nadu government. Officials from Indian missions and consulates in Sri Lanka conduct regular visits to detention facilities to monitor conditions and provide legal assistance.

Financial support has been extended to assist detained fishermen and their families, with over Rs. 1.84 crore allocated through legal aid and repatriation programs over the past three financial years. India has committed to continued engagement with Colombo to resolve the recurring detention issue and protect the interests of its fishermen.