19 Indian Fishermen Repatriated From Sri Lanka To Return Home Today

Last Updated:April 20, 2026, 15:08 IST

Indian fishermen are periodically apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

As many as 19 Indian fishermen, which were detained by the Sri Lanka Navy, are being repatriated from Sri Lanka and will return home by Monday evening, marking the latest batch of releases amid sustained diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

Indian fishermen are periodically apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), a long-standing issue between the two neighbours.

According to the data, in 2025, a total of 360 Indian fishermen were detained by Sri Lanka, of whom 339 have since been released and repatriated. In 2026 so far, 104 fishermen have been apprehended, with 30 already released and another 30 cleared but currently completing travel-related formalities before returning to India.

At present, 82 Indian fishermen remain in Sri Lankan custody, including 31 awaiting trial and 51 serving sentences under local laws.

The Government of India has been actively engaging with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms to secure the early release of detained fishermen and their boats. These efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 3,750 Indian fishermen since May 2014.

During his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka in February 2026 in New Delhi and during the recent phone call on March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue pertaining to Indian fishermen, and emphasised the need to treat the matter on humanitarian grounds, given its impact on livelihoods, and urged the early release of all detained fishermen.

Following this, on March 31, 2026, Sri Lankan court, on the advice of the Government of Sri Lanka, released 25 Indian fishermen (15 from Tamil Nadu and 10 from Puducherry) who had been apprehended on February 16. In normal circumstances, Sri Lankan Courts have charge-sheeted and sentenced Indian fishermen, especially owners and skippers of the boats, as per local laws.

In the instant case, the fishermen, including the owner and captain of the boats have been released. These fishermen were repatriated back to India on April 7.

Subsequently, a further 24 Indian fishermen were released by Sri Lankan Courts with suspended sentences and have been repatriated in batches, with the last set of 19 fishermen being repatriated on April 20, i.e., today.

News world 19 Indian Fishermen Repatriated From Sri Lanka To Return Home Today

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