In a significant humanitarian gesture, India and Bangladesh have announced a mutual release of fishermen detained for inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Over recent months, several Indian fishermen were apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities after unintentionally entering Bangladeshi waters. Similarly, Indian authorities detained Bangladeshi fishermen who crossed into Indian maritime territory under comparable circumstances. These incidents, often arising due to the shared and closely bound maritime borders.

Recognizing the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of these communities, both governments have worked together to address the issue. 

In a statement issued on Thursday (January 2, 2025), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Bangladeshi authorities handed over 95 Indian fishermen to the Bangladesh Coast Guard earlier in the day. On January 5, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard will take custody of these fishermen at sea. In a reciprocal move, India will release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen on the same day. This mutual exchange, coordinated between the respective Coast Guards, will occur at a designated maritime location.

This operation also includes the return of vessels seized during the apprehensions, ensuring that the fishermen can resume their livelihoods without additional delays or losses. The exchange represents a gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering closer ties and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.

The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides, the MEA said.

The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of its fishermen, emphasizing that diplomatic channels have been consistently engaged to secure the release of Indian nationals.