Ceylon, Sri Lanka: India has expressed strong disapproval of the use of force, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable under any circumstances. Both nations must strictly adhere to existing agreements concerning fishermen.

On Thursday, India formally protested against an incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy firing on a group of Indian fishermen near Delft Island on Tuesday morning. According to the Foreign Minister, 13 fishermen were aboard the vessel when the incident occurred.

Out of the 13 fishermen, two sustained severe injuries and are currently being treated at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three others suffered minor injuries and have also received medical attention, as per the official statement from the Foreign Minister.

Officials from the Indian Consulate in Jaffna visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to check on their well-being and are providing all necessary support to both the fishermen and their families, the Ministry stated.

Following the firing incident, the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned by the Foreign Minister to register a strong protest. Additionally, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has raised the issue with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the statement.

"The Indian government has consistently highlighted the importance of addressing fishermen-related concerns with compassion and sensitivity, considering their livelihoods. Any form of force is entirely unacceptable. Existing agreements between the two nations must be fully respected," the statement emphasized.

This protest comes just a day after the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 34 Indian fishermen and seized three fishing trawlers in two separate incidents on Sunday for alleged illegal fishing.