17 Indian fishermen who were detained by Sri Lanka have been repatriated back to their home country. The apprehension of Indian fishermen has been an issue between the two countries, largely stemming from the fishing rights in the Palk Bay, a narrow strip of sea that lies between the two countries. The repatriation of these 17 fishermen is a result of diplomatic efforts by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The fishermen from the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu often find themselves at the centre of the problem as they venture into the waters for their livelihood. The International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) - IMBL, a de facto maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, is often crossed inadvertently by fishermen due to the close proximity of the fishing grounds to this line.
