In a significant gesture underscoring growing bilateral goodwill, Sri Lanka on Sunday released 14 Indian fishermen, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the island nation.
The release followed detailed discussions between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier on Saturday, during which the long-standing issue of fishermen's arrests was taken up.
The Prime Minister, during his remarks at a joint press briefing, said, "We discussed the fishermen's issues. We agreed that we should move forward in this matter with a humane approach. We stressed the immediate release of the fishermen and the return of their boats."
The arrest of Indian fishermen, primarily from Tamil Nadu, by Sri Lankan authorities for alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters has been a recurring point of tension.
Since the beginning of 2025, 119 Indian fishermen and 16 fishing boats have reportedly been apprehended by Sri Lankan forces, raising concerns among coastal communities and prompting repeated appeals for intervention.
Addressing a press conference following the talks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "We have been informed that the Sri Lankan authorities have taken a decision to release 11 fishermen imminently, and perhaps a few more in the coming days."
"This was a subject that was discussed in considerable detail between the two sides. As the Prime Minister said himself during his remarks, there was an emphasis on the need to adopt a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperation on these issues because these are ultimately issues that impact the livelihood of fishermen on both sides," Misri added.
The release of 14 Indian fishermen comes amid a series of key diplomatic and developmental engagements during PM Modi's visit, which included the joint inauguration of India-backed railway projects such as the upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway track and the newly constructed signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura segment.
In a historic gesture, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan award -- one of the island nation's highest civilian honours.
The accolade recognises not only India's steadfast support to Sri Lanka but also PM Modi's commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
On Saturday, the two leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and development cooperation.
On Saturday evening, President Dissanayake hosted a State Banquet at the President's House in honour of Prime Minister Modi.
Extending a warm welcome, the Sri Lankan President said the visit would further expand avenues of cooperation and deepen the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
"We are known for our hospitality and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. In particular, I recall that our friends from across the Palk Strait are received with the utmost warmth and affection," President Dissanayake said.
"We hope to see the citizens of your nation visiting this wonderful island continually, where they will meet warm-hearted communities," he further said.
"We eagerly anticipate your return, ready to welcome you back with open arms. We sincerely convey our heartfelt wishes for the good health of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and for continued progress and prosperity of Indian citizens, as well as for the strengthening cooperation and friendship between our two nations," the Sri Lankan President added.
Russia-Ukraine war: Putin announces three-day ceasefire in May to mark Victory Day celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a 72-hour ceasefire in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations, next month.
BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party hold protests in Tripura against Bangladesh embankments
The Bharatiya Janata Party's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Monday, organised massive protests against the construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government along the border with Tripura jeopardising Indian territories during monsoon.
India needs strong action to prevent Pahalgam-like attacks in the future: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday strongly condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, asserting that India demands decisive action to ensure such attacks never recur.
Defence stocks surge over 9 pc as India inks Rs 63,000 crore Rafale deal
Defence stocks saw a strong rally on Monday, climbing over 9 per cent, as the government inked a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
'Power projection': India inks Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy
India on Monday signed a landmark Rs 63,000 crore government-to-government deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets which will give added punch to the Indian Navy, amid growing security concerns over China flexing its maritime muscle in the Indo-Pacific region.
From Kupwara to Kathua, people came out to protest: CM Omar Abdullah on Pahalgam attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that for the first time, the people of the country are united, and this unity is needed to end militancy and terrorism.
Debt, liquidity of auto parts exporters to stay comfortable despite US tariff hikes: Report
Debt metrics and liquidity are likely to remain comfortable for most auto component exporters despite potential decline in margins and increase in working capital requirements in the wake of the US tariff hikes that have been announced by President Donald Trump, according to an ICRA report released on Monday.
SC issues notice on plea to regulate explicit content on social media, OTT platforms
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea seeking directions to the government to take immediate and decisive action to regulate explicit content on social media and OTT platforms.