Sushma Swaraj holds meeting regarding India-Sr Lanka fishermen issues

The meeting was held in the context of the invitation to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka to visit India in August for discussions.

The meeting included representatives of the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, 13 representatives from the Fishermen Association of Tamil Nadu and five representatives from the Fishermen Association of Puducherry, besides the Coast Guard, senior officials from the ministries of Agriculture/ Department of Animal Husbandry/ Dairying & Fisheries, Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, the Indian Navy and the Prime Minister's Office.

The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare/ Fisheries co-chaired the meeting.

Minister of State for Transport, Highways and Shipping, Radha Krishnan was also present at the meeting.

The 9th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission Meeting on February 5, 2016 had agreed on the need to work out a permanent solution to the fishermen issue during a visit by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka to India.

The release of 77 Indian fishermen on July 25-26, 2016 and their repatriation to India on July 27, 2016 set the immediate backdrop to the meeting.

The discussions between stakeholders on the Indian side focused on different aspects requiring attention, including the livelihood concerns of Indian fishermen and introduction of sustainable fishing practices.

It was agreed that Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare/ Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries would take action on specific measures suggested to meet livelihood concerns of Indian fishermen. There was agreement among all stakeholders that practical and pragmatic solutions needed to be pursued so that fishermen on both sides can pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.