In a significant step towards fostering goodwill and addressing humanitarian concerns, India and Bangladesh have agreed to the mutual release of fishermen from both nations, who had been detained after inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into each other’s waters.
In recent months, a number of Indian fishermen were arrested by Bangladeshi authorities for unintentionally straying into Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries, while several Bangladeshi fishermen were similarly apprehended by Indian authorities under comparable circumstances. These arrests have led to heightened tensions, but both governments have worked collaboratively to resolve the issue.
The Government of India, which places the highest priority on the safety, security, and well-being of its fishermen, has been in constant dialogue with Bangladesh to ensure the release of Indian nationals. Today, Bangladesh authorities handed over 95 Indian fishermen to the Bangladesh Coast Guard, which will transfer them to the Indian Coast Guard on January 5, 2025. In a reciprocal gesture, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen will also be released by Indian authorities during a coordinated operation between the two countries’ Coast Guards.
The fishermen will be repatriated at sea in a mutual exchange operation, ensuring that the release process is both swift and efficient. The operation will take place between the respective Coast Guard authorities, with both sides emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanitarian concerns as the focal point of this exchange.
A spokesperson from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope that the exchange would mark a positive milestone in India-Bangladesh relations, underscoring the shared interests and responsibilities of both nations in ensuring the safety of their fishing communities. “This move reflects the spirit of cooperation and understanding between India and Bangladesh. Our governments remain committed to working together to resolve such issues with the best interests of the people at heart,” the spokesperson said.
The exchange of fishermen is part of ongoing efforts by both governments to address the challenges faced by their maritime communities, which often find themselves caught in cross-border incidents due to the complex nature of the IMBL. Fishing is a crucial livelihood for many people along the coasts of both countries, and such incidents often lead to significant hardships for the families involved.
In addition to resolving individual cases, this mutual release also serves as a reminder of the broader need for enhanced cooperation in maritime security and dispute resolution between India and Bangladesh. It follows previous agreements between the two countries aimed at reducing tensions and preventing incidents in shared waters.
The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the welfare of its fishermen, and both nations have pledged to continue strengthening their cooperation in managing maritime affairs, including through ongoing dialogues and confidence-building measures.
The successful implementation of this operation is expected to pave the way for more effective mechanisms for handling future maritime incidents, reinforcing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in the region.