India denies assault on Sri Lankan fishermen

The High Commission of India in Colombo has rejected allegations that Indian personnel assaulted Sri Lankan fishermen at sea on January 29.

Responding to media queries, the Commission said it had verified the incident and confirmed that no assault was carried out by members of the Indian Navy or the Indian Coast Guard.

"India has consistently maintained that a humanitarian approach should be adopted to fishermen’s livelihood concerns and that the use of force should not be resorted to under any circumstances. We continue to be in touch with the Government of Sri Lanka on these matters," the High Commission Spokesman said.