Indian government taking steps to release 24 Sri Lankan fishermen

India will soon free all 24 Sri Lankan fishermen accused of straying into its territorial waters as part of an agreement between the two countries to increase cooperation in the fishing industry, Sri Lanka's government said. India and Sri Lanka are divided by the narrow Palk Strait and fishermen often stray into each other's waters. Both sides have accused the other of illegally detaining their fishermen.

India said "action is being taken to secure the early release of 24 Sri Lankan fishermen," said a Sri Lankan government statement released late Wednesday after the meeting.

It said no Indian fishermen were being held in Sri Lankan custody. The two sides agreed at the end of their two-day meeting to discuss joint investment in deep-sea fishing, as well as harbor development and training, the statement said, reports the AP. I.L.