The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, according to an official statement.

The arrests, made on Wednesday, come amid the continuing dispute over fishing rights in the Palk Strait, an issue that has remained a recurring source of tension between India and Sri Lanka.

Navy Alleges Illegal Fishing in Sri Lankan Waters

The Sri Lankan Navy said the fishermen were apprehended during an operation after more than 50 Indian fishing trawlers were allegedly found operating in Sri Lankan waters south of Iranativu.

According to the Navy, the fishermen had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and were engaged in illegal fishing in waters north of Talaimannar.

Following their arrest, the nine fishermen and the seized trawler were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for further legal proceedings.

Over 120 Indian Fishermen Arrested This Year

The Sri Lankan Navy said that, as of April 15, it had arrested 128 Indian fishermen and seized 18 Indian fishing trawlers this year for alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The figures were released as part of the official statement detailing the latest operation.

Long-Standing Dispute Between India and Sri Lanka

The fishermen issue has remained a persistent irritant in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, with both countries periodically raising concerns over arrests and boat seizures.

The Palk Strait, which separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is one of the region’s richest fishing grounds and is frequently accessed by fishermen from both sides.

Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen are regularly detained after allegedly crossing into each other’s territorial waters, often claiming they crossed the maritime boundary inadvertently while fishing.

The latest arrests are expected to renew attention on the long-standing maritime dispute and the need for a lasting mechanism to address issues affecting fishing communities on both sides of the Palk Strait.

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