Indian High Commission Denies Allegations of Coast Guard Assault on Sri Lankan Fisherfolk

India has rejected claims that its maritime forces attacked Sri Lankan fishermen at sea, calling the allegations “baseless.”
The response comes after officials in Colombo said they planned to raise a diplomatic protest over the reported incident.
The development adds fresh tension to long-running fishing disputes between the two neighbouring countries.

• What happened: The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka denied allegations that the Indian Coast Guard assaulted Sri Lankan fishermen on January 29, 2026.

• Why it matters now: Maritime incidents involving fishermen often strain India-Sri Lanka relations and spark diplomatic exchanges.

• What changes for people: Authorities may push for humanitarian solutions and stronger coordination at sea to avoid escalation.

• Who is affected: Fishermen from both countries, coastal communities, and diplomatic officials.

India’s diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka issued a statement rejecting media reports that Indian naval personnel used force against Sri Lankan fisherfolk. Officials said they had verified the claims and found no evidence of any assault by the Indian Navy or the Indian Coast Guard.

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What the Indian High Commission said

The High Commission reiterated that disputes involving fishermen should be handled through humanitarian dialogue rather than force. It emphasised India’s longstanding position that safety and cooperation remain the priority in shared maritime zones.

<u>The Indian High Commission stated that no assault was carried out by Indian Navy or Coast Guard personnel, describing the allegations as unfounded.</u>

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Allegations raised by Sri Lankan authorities

Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekeran said earlier that Colombo intended to formally protest the alleged incident. According to Sri Lankan officials, three fishing trawlers carrying 12 fishermen had departed from the Wennappuva region and were reportedly involved in an encounter at sea.

Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson Commander Buddika Sampath said injured fishermen were brought ashore, with several reported hurt. Representatives from local fishing groups claimed that some vessels were operating within Sri Lankan waters at the time.

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Why maritime disputes remain sensitive

Fishing-related tensions between India and Sri Lanka have surfaced repeatedly due to overlapping fishing zones and the use of trawlers near international maritime boundaries.

• International relations: Such incidents often require diplomatic clarification to prevent escalation.

• Public safety: Fishermen face risks due to rough seas, arrests, or accidental confrontations.

• Regional cooperation: Both countries have previously emphasised dialogue-based solutions.

Experts note that swift official statements aim to prevent misinformation from worsening bilateral relations.