Nineteen fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing into Sri Lankan waters, have safely returned to Chennai.

Following their arrest on March 6, the fishermen’s families had sought the help of both central and state governments in securing their release.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had also urged Union Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar to intervene in the matter. Consequently, negotiations between Indian embassy officials in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government led to their release and safe return.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka said, “19 Indian fishermen have been repatriated from Sri Lanka and are currently on their way to Chennai.”

The fishermen were flown back to Chennai on an Air India flight from Colombo.