Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting immediate action to protect the lives and livelihoods of Indian fishermen in light of recent attacks and ongoing issues with confiscated boats held by Sri Lankan authorities. In his letter, Stalin expressed concern over the growing threats faced by Tamil Nadu's fishing communities, particularly in Nagapattinam district, where 23 fishermen were reportedly assaulted at sea by unknown Sri Lankan nationals on May 2. The attackers also seized various items, including GPS devices, mobile phones, VHF equipment, engine parts, ice boxes, fishing nets (weighing around 470 kg), inverter batteries, cooking stoves, and even personal items like gold and silver jewelry.

Stalin outlined the details of the attack, where 23 fishermen from Nagapattinam and their five boats were targeted, and their possessions were stolen. He urged Jaishankar to address the situation with relevant authorities in both India and Sri Lanka to prevent future incidents and deter such acts. The Chief Minister also raised concerns over a recent proposal by Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) to scuttle 34 Indian fishing boats seized in 2022 and 2023, as part of a project to create artificial reef ecosystems. Stalin warned that destroying the boats would harm the livelihoods of Indian fishermen and requested the Indian government to intervene to prevent the boats from being scuttled and ensure their return.

Additionally, Stalin noted that, as of May 5, 2025, 229 Tamil Nadu fishing boats remain in Sri Lankan custody. He mentioned that the Tamil Nadu government had submitted a proposal to the Union Government to facilitate the repatriation of 12 boats cleared by Sri Lankan courts and to secure permission for 14 salvage boats and 101 fishermen to assist in the recovery process. He urged Jaishankar to take up these critical issues with the Sri Lankan government to ensure the safety of Indian fishermen and to work towards the return of the seized boats.