The livelihoods of fisherman in both countries were among the main topics of discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka on December 16, 2024. The importance of India-Sri Lanka relations was highlighted by the fact that this meeting was Dissanayake’s first overseas tour since becoming office.
PM Modi emphasised the humanitarian approach decided upon regarding the fishermen’s issue during a joint press conference. The difficulties faced by fishermen who unintentionally violate maritime boundaries—a sensitive issue between India and Sri Lanka—were acknowledged by both leaders, he said. “We also talked about issues pertaining to fishermen’s livelihood,” Modi said. We decided that the best course of action in this situation should be humanitarian.
President Dissanayake stressed the need for a long-term and sustainable solution, calling the fishermen’s predicament a “plague” for both nations. He emphasised the harm that bottom trawling and other similar methods cause to the fishing industry and pledged to work towards a solution that works for everyone. Both leaders agreed to improve physical, digital, and energy interconnection between their countries, while the talks also covered more general subjects like economic cooperation.
Along with addressing the livelihoods of fisherman, the summit produced a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) intended to improve bilateral relations in a number of areas, including as agriculture, housing, and renewable energy. The presidents pledged to help each other’s economic stability and recovery, with India having already provided substantial cash
