Kolkata: In a coordinated effort between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), and Bangladeshi authorities, 23 Indian fishermen along with their two fishing boats were repatriated from Bangladesh on Thursday.
These Indian fishermen were detained for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing within Bangladesh’s territorial waters. Their return forms part of a mutual repatriation agreement between the two countries.
Under the same arrangement, India released 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five fishing boats. These fishermen had been apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard for illegal fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and were dealt with under foreign laws.
The exchange of fishermen and vessels took place early Thursday morning in the Bay of Bengal along the International Maritime Boundary Line.
The Indian Coast Guard ships ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Vijay handed over the Bangladeshi fishermen to Bangladesh Coast Guard vessels Kamruzzaman and Sonar Bangla after completing the necessary documentation. Similarly, the Indian fishermen were formally received by the Indian Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard ships then proceeded towards the West Bengal coast, where the repatriated fishermen and their boats will be handed over to state authorities for arrangements to return them home.
A Defence Ministry statement said this successful repatriation reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities living along India’s extensive coastline.
The statement added, “This successful repatriation underscores the joint commitment of both nations to ensure the safety and welfare of fishermen and highlights the importance of maritime cooperation and humanitarian efforts in shared sea areas.”
Meanwhile, officials from the Indian Coast Guard warned Indian fishermen against crossing the maritime boundary in search of better catches. Such actions often lead to detention, financial hardship for families, and prolonged repatriation delays.
The officials explained that modern fishing vessels are equipped with GPS and other tracking devices that allow crews to monitor their position at sea. Satellite-linked distress alert transponders (DAT) are also installed to assist in vessel monitoring.
However, some fishermen deliberately switch off the DAT devices when crossing the boundary, making it difficult to locate their exact position. This issue becomes particularly serious during cyclonic weather in the Bay of Bengal when vessels and fishermen go missing.
This incident reflects the ongoing challenges in managing maritime boundaries while ensuring the safety and livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
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