[Answered] The recurring fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka has led to economic, environmental, and diplomatic challenges. Analyze the key issues involved and suggest measures to ensure a sustainable and peaceful resolution.

The long-standing fisheries dispute in the Palk Bay region continues to pose economic, environmental, and diplomatic challenges for both India and Sri Lanka.

Economic Challenges

• Livelihood Concerns: The arrest of 528 Indian fishermen in 2024, surpassing the 500 mark for the first time in a decade, underscores the economic vulnerability of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry fishermen.
• Rising Convictions and Fines: Unlike in the past, Sri Lankan courts are imposing hefty fines and prison sentences, complicating the release of arrested fishermen.

Environmental Challenges

• Destructive Bottom Trawling: Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen, still recovering from the civil war, strongly oppose bottom trawling by Indian fishermen, as it destroys marine biodiversity and depletes fish stocks.
• Overfishing and Resource Depletion: The continued reliance on trawling threatens long-term fish availability for both Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Challenges

• Escalating Arrests and Tensions: The Sri Lankan government has shown reluctance to negotiate, delaying much-needed dialogue between both sides.
• Comparative Severity: The number of arrests in Sri Lanka is far higher than those in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, indicating the urgency of targeted diplomatic intervention.

Measures for a Sustainable and Peaceful Resolution

• Strengthening Bilateral Mechanisms: Immediate talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities should be facilitated, as emphasized in the recent Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Colombo.
• Fast-Tracking Prisoner Repatriation: A time-bound agreement between both nations is necessary to secure the quick release of detained fishermen.
• Transitioning to Sustainable Fishing: The Indian government should introduce financial incentives and low-interest loans to help fishermen shift to deep-sea fishing and mariculture.
• Cooperative Fishing Arrangements: Designating shared fishing zones and implementing seasonal fishing bans can help in resource conservation and conflict prevention.
• Maritime Security Cooperation: Strengthening coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lankan Navy can prevent hostilities and enable timely communication.

Conclusion

The fisheries dispute requires proactive diplomacy, sustainable fishing policies, and community-led engagement. The current business-as-usual approach is ineffective, and both governments must urgently reinvigorate negotiations, support economic transitions, and prioritize environmental sustainability to achieve a lasting resolution.