India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay

Source: The post India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay has been created, based on the article “Sharing resources: Fishermen from both sides of the Palk Bay must meet to resolve dispute” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Internatonal Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay. It highlights India’s push for fishermen talks, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen, and calls for solutions like deep-sea fishing, ecosystem conservation, and political support for an agreement.

For detailed information on India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute read this article here

What is the main issue in the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute?

1. The main issue is fishing rights in the Palk Bay. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu are often arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters.
2. These arrests create tension. Sri Lanka charges the fishermen with trespassing and destructive practices, like bottom trawling.
3. As of October 27, 2023, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, reported 30 incidents of arrests this year. Currently, 140 fishermen and 200 boats are in Sri Lankan custody.

What are India’s efforts for a resolution?

1. India encourages dialogue between fishermen of both countries. At the sixth India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries in Colombo on October 29, India pushed for these talks.
2. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka have expressed support.
3. In Rameswaram, fishermen staged a protest on October 25 to demand talks. Earlier, Northern Province fishermen had asked for discussions with Tamil Nadu counterparts.

How is Sri Lanka responding?

1. Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed the need to protect Sri Lanka’s interests. He supports a long-term solution that respects both sides.
2. The upcoming parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, in mid-November, may impact the environment for talks.

Why does India consider the issue humanitarian?

1. India highlights the humanitarian aspect of the dispute. Many Tamil Nadu fishermen depend on these waters for their livelihood.
   2. Long detentions and severe fines on repeat offenders worsen their economic hardship.
   3. India has pushed for alternative fishing methods, like deep-sea fishing, to lessen their dependence on contested waters.

What environmental concerns are involved?

1. Conserving the marine ecosystem is crucial. Sri Lanka opposes bottom trawling, which harms the seabed and affects fish populations.
2. Fishermen from the Northern Province have complained about its impact. India aims to promote alternative, sustainable fishing methods among Tamil Nadu fishermen.

What possible solutions exist?

1. Promote deep-sea fishing for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, as India initiated in 2017.
2. Help Sri Lankan fishermen, especially in the Northern Province, to rebuild post-civil war.
3. Revisit a 2010 understanding between both countries’ fishermen.
4. Allow Tamil Nadu fishermen a transition period to adopt new fishing methods.

Question for practice:

Examine the main issues and efforts toward resolution in the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay, considering the humanitarian, environmental, and political aspects involved.