9 Indian fishermen held by Sri Lankan navy for alleged illegal fishing

Sri Lankan navy arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for alleged illegal fishing north of Talaimannar.

The navy detected over 50 Indian trawlers crossing into Sri Lankan waters south of Iranativu during the operation.

The arrested fishermen and seized trawler were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Mannar for legal proceedings.

As of April 15, 2026, Sri Lankan authorities had arrested 128 Indian fishermen and seized 18 trawlers for alleged poaching.

The Palk Strait remains a flashpoint, with frequent arrests as fishermen inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line.