The Fourth Meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries recently took place virtually. The Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, significant fishing areas for both countries, were key topics of discussion at this meeting. During the session, the two nations exchanged views on several matters, including patrolling cooperation between their Navy & Coast Guards, current hotline operations between the Coast Guards, preserving the marine environment, and a potential schedule for the next JWG meeting.
India’s Stance and Initiatives Discussed at the Meeting
During the meeting, India stressed the need to release all Indian fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody, a commitment made by the Sri Lankan President during his state visit to India in November 2019. India also showcased its efforts to alleviate fishing pressure in the Palk Bay through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other governmental schemes. These initiatives include diversification into deep-sea fishing, infrastructure development to support deep-sea fishing, and promoting alternative livelihoods through seaweed cultivation, mariculture, and various aquaculture activities.
Formation and Functioning of the Joint Working Group
In 2016, India and Sri Lanka agreed to establish the JWG on Fisheries as a mechanism to find a permanent solution to fishermen issues. The JWG consists of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Coast Guards, and Navies of both countries. Among the pivotal points of discussion in the JWG are expediting the transition to end bottom trawling, establishing protocols for returning arrested fishermen, and exploring the possibility of joint patrolling.
The Fishermen Issue and Its Implications
Due to the close proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, particularly in the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, fishermen often stray across borders. The treaties signed between the two countries in 1974 and 1976 identified the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). However, these treaties overlooked the plight of thousands of traditional fishermen who were restricted to fishing in a limited area. The issue is further compounded by rigorous patrolling by the Sri Lankan Navy, where fishermen crossing the IMBL face potential arrest or destruction of their fishing nets and vessels.
Steps Taken to Address the Fishermen Issue
The IMBL was geo-tagged and made visible to fishermen through Global Positioning System (GPS) sets. An initiative known as the Deep Sea Fishing Scheme was proposed as an alternative to bottom trawling. The scheme aims to replace trawlers with 2,000 deep-sea fishing boats by 2019-20, ending disputes between the two countries. It has been implemented under the ‘Blue Revolution’ scheme.
Optimizing India-Sri Lanka Relationships: A Way Forward
India needs to concentrate on strengthening its traditional and cultural ties with Sri Lanka and enhance people-to-people linkages, possibly through initiating ferry services between the two nations. Mutual recognition of each other’s concerns and interests can foster stronger bilateral relations. These steps can guide both countries towards achieving a harmonious relationship centered on shared areas of concern, such as fisheries.
