Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on 28 January following an incident in which the Sri Lankan Navy reportedly fired on 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island. The incident occurred in the early hours of the day and has sparked a strong diplomatic protest from India.
Two fishermen sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others suffered minor injuries and have been treated. Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen, offering assistance to them and their families, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
India condemned the use of force, emphasising that issues involving fishermen must be handled with humanity and consideration for their livelihoods. The Ministry also insisted that the existing bilateral understandings regarding fishing activities must be strictly adhered to.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also taken up the matter with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, the Sri Lanka Navy confirmed that its Northern Naval Command had intercepted a cluster of Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Valvettithurai, Jaffna, on the night of 27 January. During the operation, one Indian fishing boat was seized, and 13 Indian fishermen were apprehended.
The Navy reported that the Indian fishing boat had acted aggressively, refusing to comply with lawful orders, and the fishermen allegedly attempted to assault naval personnel and seize a firearm. This confrontation reportedly led to an accidental discharge of a weapon, injuring two fishermen.
The Navy provided first aid and transferred the injured fishermen to Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where their condition is stable. The remaining fishermen and the seized boat were taken to Kankesanthurai Harbour for legal action, and a complaint has been lodged with the Kankesanthurai Police.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting Sri Lankan waters and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, stating that operations to deter illegal fishing activities will continue
