The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister announced plans to meet with India's external affairs and fisheries ministers in Delhi next week following the Sri Lankan Navy's arrest of nine fishermen from Rameswaram.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Srinath said Thursday that he will travel to Delhi next week to raise concerns about the arrest of nine fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The minister plans to meet with Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Union Minister of Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh to discuss preventive measures against future arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
The nine arrested fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy while operating near Katchatheevu, allegedly for crossing into Sri Lankan waters. The group, which departed from Rameswaram Port on August 12 with valid fishing permits, were aboard the vessel IND TN 10 MM 329. They have been transferred to the Thalaimannar Naval Camp for questioning. According to local authorities, the nine fishermen were part of a larger contingent of 297 boats that set out together with official clearance.
During remarks at Thoothukudi Airport, Minister Srinath noted that ongoing discussions with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister indicate progress on the issue. He expressed confidence that resolution would come soon through diplomatic channels. Beyond the immediate arrest situation, the minister highlighted broader fisheries policy initiatives, noting that several welfare schemes for fishermen have been evaluated and will be included in upcoming budget demands.
The minister also addressed a separate request from mechanized boat operators in Thoothukudi seeking permission for deep-sea fishing, confirming this matter has been included in departmental budget proposals. Additionally, he assured residents that drinking water supply issues in Thoothukudi would be resolved within days, with repair work underway on damaged water infrastructure.
