The Indian Coast Guard has handed over 23 Sri Lankan fishermen along with their four fishing boats to Sri Lankan officials. Indian media reported that it has happened at the Indo-Sri Lankan International Maritime Boundary Line.

The Coast Guard ship Vishwast has undertaken the repatriation on August 29 from the coast of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, towing the boats for about 840 kilometres. According to a media release cited by Indian media, the handing over had taken place today.

In 2014 alone, the Coast Guard (Eastern) region has repatriated 171 Indian fishing boats along with 930 crew and 55 Sri Lankan fishing boats and 353 crew members, the release has also said.

By end of August, Sri Lanka had also released all Indian fishermen the island had arrested. However several Indian fishermen were apprehended in the last few days.