Reference Article: Editorial | The Hindu – Fishing troubles: On India, Sri Lanka, the Palk Bay fishing issue
UPSC Relevance:
– GS Paper II: India and its Neighbourhood Relations, International Agreements
– GS Paper III: Environment, Conservation of Marine Resources, Blue Economy
The arrest of 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on November 9, 2025, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), underscores the enduring and unresolved nature of the Palk Bay fisheries dispute. Despite decades of negotiations, the issue continues to strain India–Sri Lanka relations and devastate livelihoods on both sides of the strait.
Historical and Structural Dimensions
- The Palk Bay dispute is rooted in traditional fishing practices that predate maritime demarcation. Tamil Nadu fishermen, citing historical rights, continue to enter Sri Lankan waters.
- Currently, 128 fishermen and several boats from Tamil Nadu remain detained in Sri Lanka.
- Bottom trawling, the dominant practice among Tamil Nadu’s mechanised fleets, severely damages coral reefs, shrimp habitats, and depletes fish stocks — worsening ecological and diplomatic tensions.
- In contrast, Northern Sri Lankan fishermen, recovering from the civil war, depend on small-scale, sustainable fishing. Their livelihoods are jeopardised by Indian trawlers that destroy marine ecosystems.
Diplomatic and Policy Developments
- The Joint Working Group on Fisheries met in Colombo in October 2024, with limited progress.
- Informal dialogues between fishermen from Rameswaram (India) and Northern Sri Lanka in early 2025 lacked official endorsement, reflecting weak institutional commitment.
- The new National People’s Power (NPP) government in Sri Lanka, though politically assertive, has not prioritised conflict resolution, focusing instead on law enforcement.
Proposed Solutions and Expert Recommendations
Experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy combining ecological conservation, diplomacy, and livelihood transition:
- Learning from the EU Baltic model, where shared quotas and joint conservation have preserved fish stocks.
- Establishing a bilateral marine research station in the Palk Bay to enhance scientific collaboration and monitor ecosystems.
- Implementing joint patrolling, seasonal fishing zones, and shared licensing regimes to prevent arrests.
- Launching livelihood transition schemes for Indian fishermen — particularly from mechanised to deep-sea fishing, supported by subsidies and training.
- A phased ban on bottom trawling, accompanied by financial aid for affected fishing communities.
Significance and Way Forward
- The dispute is as much about livelihood security and marine sustainability as it is about foreign policy.
- India must take the initiative in building trust with Northern Province fishermen through aid, technology transfer, and ecosystem restoration.
- Diplomatic engagement must prioritise joint development over punitive enforcement, ensuring a humane and sustainable resolution.
Conclusion
The Palk Bay conflict exemplifies the intersection of ecology, economy, and diplomacy. Lasting peace and prosperity in the region depend on replacing confrontation with cooperation — transforming a contested sea into a shared resource for sustainable livelihoods and regional goodwill.
UPSC Practice Question:
“Discuss the ecological and diplomatic dimensions of the India–Sri Lanka fishermen dispute. How can cooperative mechanisms balance livelihood needs with marine conservation?”