**Executive Summary**
This document summarizes talks held between India and Sri Lanka, as answered in the Lok Sabha on February 13, 2026. The talks included discussions on Indian fishermen, Constitutional reforms affecting Tamils, and diplomatic actions to protect Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Minister of External Affairs visited Sri Lanka on December 22-23, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Ministerial Visit & Relief Package:**
* The Minister of External Affairs visited Sri Lanka on December 22-23, 2025, as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.
* A $450 million USD relief package was announced to assist Sri Lanka's rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
* **Fishermen Issue:**
* The arrest of Indian fishermen allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) is regularly discussed.
* India consistently asks for early release and repatriation of fishermen and boats, and the waiving of fines.
* India stresses the humanitarian and livelihood aspect of the issue, urging avoidance of force.
* Efforts resulted in the release and repatriation of 3704 Indian fishermen since May 2014.
* **Constitutional Reforms & Tamil Interests:**
* India consistently calls for full implementation of the Sri Lankan Constitution and early Provincial Council elections.
* India stresses meaningful devolution and reconciliation for a future of equality, justice, peace, and dignity for all sections of Sri Lankan society, including the Tamil community.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Indian Fishermen**
* **Impact**: The continued discussions and requests for early release and repatriation directly affect Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities.
* **Action Required**: Follow international maritime boundary laws to avoid arrest.
**Stakeholder: Government of India**
* **Impact**: Requires ongoing diplomatic efforts and engagement with Sri Lanka to address fishermen's issues and constitutional reforms.
* **Action Required**: Continue to advocate for the release and repatriation of fishermen and pursue constitutional reforms for Sri Lankan Tamils.
**Stakeholder: Sri Lankan Government**
* **Impact**: Affected by India's diplomatic pressure and requests regarding fishermen and constitutional reforms.
* **Action Required**: Consider India's requests on humanitarian and livelihood grounds, and consider implementing constitutional reforms for Tamils.
**Stakeholder: Sri Lankan Tamil Community**
* **Impact**: Constitutional reforms can lead to a future with equality, justice, peace and dignity.
* **Action Required**: No immediate action mentioned.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of External Affairs: The Indian ministry responsible for conducting foreign policy, addressing issues related to talks between India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: A country involved in bilateral talks with India, focusing on issues like fishermen, constitutional reforms, and the Tamil community.
Indian Fishermen: A community whose harassment and arrest by Sri Lankan authorities is discussed between the two countries.
Sri Lankan Constitution: The constitution of Sri Lanka, particularly regarding reforms affecting the Tamil minority.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Indian Parliament, where this question was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2376
ANSWERED ON 13/02/2026
TALKS BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA
2376. SHRI RAJA A
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the details of talks held between India and Sri Lanka during the recent
visits of Foreign Ministers and Secretaries;
(b) whether the issues of Indian fishermen being harassed and arrested at
high seas, on the borders of India-Sri Lanka were discussed and if so, the
outcome thereof;
(c) whether the issue of Constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka constitution
affecting the Tamils interest was raised, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the diplomatic action taken or proposed to be taken to protect the
interests of Tamils in Sri Lanka?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) The Minister of External Affairs visited Sri Lanka as Prime
Minister’s Special Envoy on 22-23 December 2025. During the visit, a
comprehensive relief package worth USD 450 million to assist Sri Lanka in
its rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone
Ditwah was announced. EAM engaged with Sri Lankan leadership on a
variety of bilateral issues, including the effective implementation of India’s
relief assistance for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka.
The issue of Indian fishermen, who are arrested from time to time by Sri
Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime
Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters is regularly
discussed between the two countries. The Government has consistently
taken up with Sri Lankan authorities the early release and repatriation of
Indian fishermen and fishing boats, as well as the fines imposed, and
stressed that this issue be considered purely on humanitarian and
livelihood grounds and that the use of force be avoided under all
2circumstances. Concerted efforts of the Government have so far resulted
in the release and repatriation of 3704 Indian fishermen since May 2014.
The Government of India has, in its interactions with the Government of Sri
Lanka, consistently called for the full and effective implementation of the
Sri Lankan Constitution, and the early holding of Provincial Council
elections. It has been stressed that meaningful devolution and genuine
reconciliation through an inclusive approach would help build a future that
accommodates the aspirations of all sections of Sri Lankan society,
including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice,
peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka.
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