India and Sri Lanka on interim solution to resolve impasse between fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Northern Lanka

NEW DELHI: It will be tightrope walk for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits Sri Lanka with both sides admitting that the fishermen issue is both difficult and sensitive. Thus both government’s are harping on an interim solution to resolve impasse between the fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Northern Lanka.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Lankan PM Ranil Wickremasinghe — following his harsh remarks on shooting Indian fishermen if they enter his country’s waters — held extensive talks in Colombo on Saturday on the issue to find an interim solution so as not to spoil the otherwise atmosphere of bonhomie ahead of Modi’s trip, official sources told ET. The new Lankan government had taken steps to address India’s concerns over Chinese influence in the island nation as well as condition of Tamil minority under the last regime.

“There was fairly and extensive discussion on the issue between Ranil and Swaraj. It also figured in Swaraj’s meeting with the Tamil National Alliance as well. It is a difficult issue as it involves largely Tamils on both sides. Need to address it with sensitivity. First step is to have meetings of Fishermen's associations of both countries soon after PM's visit so as to look at interim solutions. Both sides recognise that longer term solutions will take time,” an Indian government official well versed with the matter told ET.

The official, however, refused to divulge details of the interim solution saying that there is no preconceptions.

It is understood that one of the interim solution could be demarcating the maritime boundary of both countries through floater type material to disallow fishermen from each other’s country to cross into waters of each other.