Indian, Sri Lankan fishermen to meet in Chennai

New Delhi/Chennai, March 24 (IANS) Fishermen's associations from India and Sri Lanka are to meet in Chennai later Tuesday to sort out their issues over fishing rights.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: "India-Sri Lanka fishermen Associations to meet today in Chennai."

Two earlier rounds of talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen associations have so far failed to produce results.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the island nation earlier this month had said that the "complex issue" involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns and both sides should handle it from this perspective.

Modi also said that both need to find a long term solution to the issue.

Modi also said that the fishermen's associations of both sides should meet soon to find a mutually acceptable arrangement, which can then be taken forward by both governments.

A delegation comprising the Sri Lankan fishermen community arrived in Tamil Nadu on Monday for the talks.

The talks are taking place as the Sri Lankan navy apprehended 54 Indian fishermen and 10 boats for allegedly poaching in island's waters off the coast of Kankesanturai and Talaimannar.

Ahead of Modi's visit to Colombo, the island nation had released 86 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture.