India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute:

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute:

The fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Bay has been a long-standing issue with a range of underlying causes and implications for both countries.

Key Issues in the Dispute:

1. Recurrent Arrests of Indian Fishermen:

   • Indian fishermen, often facing engine failures or sudden weather changes, accidentally stray into Sri Lankan waters while fishing in Palk Bay.

   • This has resulted in frequent arrests of Indian fishermen. The number of arrests exceeded 500 in 2024, a significant increase compared to previous years.

2. Destruction and Confiscation of Vessels:

   • Indian fishing vessels are often destroyed or confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities after the fishermen are released, with heavy fines imposed.

   • This persistent issue creates a strained relationship between the two countries and exacerbates the livelihood concerns of Indian fishermen.

3. Violation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL):

   • Indian fishermen claim "traditional fishing rights" that extend beyond the IMBL, leading to regular arrests in Sri Lankan waters, which are considered illegal according to international maritime law.

   • The Palk Bay is divided by the IMBL, and both nations have competing interests over fishing rights in the area. The issue of fishing rights continues to be a contentious matter, despite the IMBL formally separating territorial waters.

4. Depletion of Fish Stocks:

   • Overfishing on the Indian side has driven Indian fishermen to encroach into Sri Lankan waters, which Sri Lanka views as illegal "poaching" and a threat to its fisheries.

   • This issue also impacts local livelihoods in Sri Lanka, which depend heavily on the marine resources of the Palk Bay.

5. Ecological Impact of Bottom-Trawling:

   • Bottom-trawling, used by Indian fishermen, has been widely criticized by Sri Lanka for its destructive impact on marine habitats like coral reefs and sponges.

   • Sri Lanka is seeking a sustainable fishing solution to protect its waters from over-exploitation.

6. National Security Concerns:

   • Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the potential misuse of fishing vessels by Tamil militant groups. The fear is that these vessels may be used for smuggling arms or rearming rebel groups, leading to heightened security concerns.

7. Katchatheevu Island Dispute:

   • The Katchatheevu Island, ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, has been a flashpoint in the dispute. Indian fishermen are only allowed to use the island for non-fishing purposes like drying nets and resting.

   • Political pressure from Tamil Nadu periodically demands the return of Katchatheevu to India, which remains a sensitive issue in bilateral relations.

International Laws on Fishing Freedom:

1. UN Fish Stocks Agreement (1995):

   • Countries are encouraged to either join regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) or agree to abide by their conservation and management measures. RFMOs help regulate fishing in international waters to prevent overfishing.

2. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (1982):

   • UNCLOS defines the maritime boundaries between nations and sets rules for fishing in territorial and international waters.

   • Article 87 limits the freedom to fish on the high seas, ensuring that states respect the interests of other countries when exercising their fishing rights.

3. High Seas and Fishing Regulations:

   • With increasing pressure on marine resources, Indian fishermen are venturing into the high seas, risking arrests by countries like the Maldives and the United Kingdom (near Diego Garcia). This further complicates the issue, as it extends beyond India-Sri Lanka relations.

Palk Bay: The Geographic and Ecological Context

• Location: Palk Bay lies between southern India and northern Sri Lanka, rich in biodiversity, thanks to monsoon-driven nutrient inflow.

• Boundaries: The southern boundary is defined by the Pamban Strait and Rameswaram Island, while the northeastern boundary is the Palk Strait, which connects the Bay of Bengal to the Palk Bay.

• Ecological Significance: The Palk Bay's rich marine resources support the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka.

Implications of the Dispute:

• Diplomatic Strain: The recurring arrests and confiscation of vessels have caused diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with India urging Sri Lanka to consider the livelihood concerns of Indian fishermen, while Sri Lanka stresses the need for protecting its waters from illegal fishing and environmental damage.

• Security Concerns: Both nations have security concerns tied to the dispute, particularly regarding potential misuse of fishing vessels for illicit activities.

• Economic Impact: The fishing industry in both countries faces economic uncertainty, with Indian fishermen often incurring significant losses due to vessel confiscation, fines, and the ecological impact of overfishing.

India-Sri Lanka Relations:

The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is shaped by a mix of historical ties, strategic interests, economic cooperation, and occasional tensions. Below is an in-depth look at the key elements influencing the bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.

Recent Developments: Hybrid Renewable Energy Project

India is currently involved in a significant renewable energy project in Sri Lanka. The Hybrid Renewable Energy System Project will focus on the construction of hybrid energy systems on three islands in the Jaffna Peninsula—Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu. This project will combine solar, wind, battery power, and standby diesel systems, with India providing a USD 11 million grant to support the project.

Geopolitical Context: The shift from a Chinese-backed project to India's involvement highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, especially with India's growing concerns over China's increasing influence in Sri Lanka, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Historical and Cultural Ties

India and Sri Lanka share long-standing cultural and historical ties, notably:

• Buddhism: Buddhism, which originated in India, is a significant religion in Sri Lanka. The cultural and religious connection between the two nations remains strong.

• People-to-People Connectivity: Strong historical trade ties and common cultural bonds between the people of both nations contribute to the enduring relationship.

Economic Cooperation

1. Financial Assistance and Economic Support:

   • India’s Financial Assistance: India provided around USD 4 billion worth of aid to Sri Lanka during its 2022 financial crisis, which was critical for Sri Lanka's survival.

   • Debt Restructuring Support: India played a key role in collaborating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors to help restructure Sri Lanka's debt. It was the first nation to offer support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring.

2. Trade and Investment:

   • Trade Relations: India is Sri Lanka’s third-largest export destination, after the US and UK. Over 60% of Sri Lanka’s exports benefit from the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA).

   • FDI: India has invested around USD 1.7 billion in Sri Lanka between 2005 and 2019.

3. Energy Projects:

   • India has been deeply involved in supporting Sri Lanka’s energy sector, including projects to ensure a consistent energy supply, such as the multi-project petroleum pipeline and involvement in renewable energy systems.

4. Digital and Financial Integration:

   • Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Sri Lanka adopted India’s UPI service, enhancing fintech connectivity between the two countries.

   • Currency Settlement: The use of the Indian rupee for trade settlement helps Sri Lanka stabilize its economy.

Strategic and Defense Cooperation

1. Joint Military Exercises: India and Sri Lanka regularly conduct joint military and naval exercises such as Mitra Shakti and SLINEX, which strengthen defense ties and regional security cooperation.

2. Regional Groupings: Sri Lanka is an active member of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), both of which include India. These groupings allow for closer political and economic collaboration.

3. Geopolitical Significance:

   • Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it an important partner for India in ensuring regional security and protecting maritime trade routes. Its proximity to key shipping lanes also makes it critical to India’s defense strategy.

Challenges in Bilateral Relations

1. Fisheries Dispute:

   • One of the long-standing issues between India and Sri Lanka is the fishing rights in the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. Indian fishermen frequently cross into Sri Lankan waters, often leading to arrests by Sri Lankan authorities. This issue continues to fuel tensions and occasionally results in diplomatic disputes.

2. Katchatheevu Island Dispute:

   • The ownership of Katchatheevu, an uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, remains a point of contention. Despite an agreement in 1974 recognizing it as part of Sri Lanka’s territory, India maintains that Indian fishermen should have unrestricted access to the surrounding waters, leading to periodic disputes.

3. Border Security and Smuggling:

   • Maritime boundary issues, including the smuggling of goods such as narcotics and the trafficking of illegal immigrants, continue to strain security cooperation. Both nations are working on improving border security mechanisms to curb illegal activities.

4. Tamil Ethnic Issue:

   • India has historically been concerned about the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, particularly during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Although the conflict ended in 2009, India continues to advocate for the protection of Tamil rights in Sri Lanka.

5. China’s Growing Influence:

   • China’s involvement in Sri Lanka, particularly its investment in infrastructure projects like the Hambantota Port, has raised concerns in India. The port’s development as a commercial hub led by China Merchants Port Holdings is seen as a challenge to India’s strategic interests in the region.

   • Chinese Debt: In 2023, Sri Lanka reached an agreement with the EXIM Bank of China to cover significant portions of its outstanding debt, further increasing Sri Lanka's dependence on Chinese financial support.

Significance of India-Sri Lanka Relations

1. Regional Development:

   • India’s progress is closely linked to the development of its neighboring countries, particularly Sri Lanka. Enhancing regional connectivity in infrastructure, energy, and trade will benefit both nations and promote stability in the South Asian region.

2. Strategic Location:

   • Sri Lanka’s position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial partner for India in terms of maritime security and global trade routes. Sri Lanka plays an essential role in India's geopolitical strategy to maintain influence in the region.

3. Tourism and People-to-People Ties:

   • India is a major source of tourists to Sri Lanka. In 2022, over 100,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka, making it the largest source of international visitors. This enhances the cultural and economic exchange between the two nations.

The Way Forward:

1. Dialogue and Cooperation: Both countries need to engage in sustained dialogue, possibly through a bilateral fisheries management framework, to resolve issues related to fishing rights and resource management.

2. Sustainable Fishing Practices: Emphasis on ecological sustainability could help address concerns over overfishing and destructive fishing techniques like bottom trawling.

3. Enhanced Border Control Measures: Strengthening border controls and monitoring in the Palk Bay could help reduce instances of accidental violations of the IMBL while maintaining the safety and livelihood of fishermen.

4. Addressing Security Concerns: India and Sri Lanka could establish mechanisms to ensure that fishing vessels are not misused for smuggling or other illegal activities. This might involve increased patrolling and joint maritime surveillance.

This fishing dispute highlights the broader challenges that arise when economic and environmental interests, historical rights, and security concerns intersect. A comprehensive, cooperative solution is needed to prevent further escalation of tensions while ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources in the region.