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Parliamentary Panel Urges Deeper India-Sri Lanka Ties and Protection for Fishermen
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CNBC TV18•09-10-2026, 23:59
Parliamentary Panel Urges Deeper India-Sri Lanka Ties and Protection for Fishermen
- •A parliamentary panel led by Shashi Tharoor recommended that India negotiate with Sri Lanka to minimize prison sentences for Indian fishermen and prevent the confiscation of their vessels.
- •The report emphasized improving connectivity by exploring new ferry routes like Thoothukudi to Colombo and increasing direct flights between the two nations.
- •Sri Lanka has assured India that its land will not be used against New Delhi's security interests, according to the external affairs committee report.
- •The panel highlighted that addressing trade imbalances through frameworks like the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement is vital for strengthening bilateral ties.
Key Questions Answered
The parliamentary panel recommended that the government negotiate with Sri Lanka at all bilateral levels to minimize the duration of sentences for Indian fishermen and prevent the confiscation of their fishing vessels.
India's consistent position is that the maritime boundary with Sri Lanka was settled through agreements in 1974 and 1976, placing Katchatheevu on the Sri Lankan side of the International Maritime Boundary Line.
The panel suggested expanding Sri Lankan export capacity, improving utilization of the current Free Trade Agreement, addressing rules-of-origin issues, and concluding a modernized Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
