Prime Minister Narednra Modi with Sri Lankan Government President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, on April 6, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score: PTI

Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 6, 2025) launched at the least 11 Indian fishermen as a particular gesture, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for resolving the vexed fishermen issue with a “humane strategy”.

The fishermen difficulty figured prominently throughout talks between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday.

“We additionally mentioned points associated to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we must always proceed with a humane strategy on this matter,” PM Modi mentioned in his media assertion after assembly President Dissanayake.

“We additionally emphasised on instant launch of the fishermen and their boats,” he mentioned.

At the very least 11 Indian fishermen have been launched as a particular gesture, individuals acquainted with the matter mentioned.

The fishermen difficulty is a contentious one in ties between the 2 sides.

There have been a number of alleged incidents up to now of Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen within the Palk Strait which is a slim strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.

At a media briefing on Saturday, Overseas Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned the fishermen difficulty was mentioned in “appreciable element” between the 2 sides.

“Because the prime minister mentioned himself throughout his remarks, there was an emphasis on the necessity to undertake a humanitarian and constructive strategy to cooperation on these points as a result of these are in the end points that influence the livelihood of fishermen on each side of the Palk Bay,” he mentioned.

“The prime minister emphasised that on the finish of the day, it’s a each day difficulty for the fishermen and that sure actions which were taken in current instances might be reconsidered,” Mr. Misri mentioned.

The international secretary mentioned each side additionally emphasised the necessity to intensify the institutional discussions on the problem.

“Either side are in contact with one another on the opportunity of convening the following spherical of fishermen’s affiliation talks between Sri Lanka and India,” he mentioned.