266 Indian Fishermen Languishing in Foreign Jails, Efforts On for Early Release

In a concerning situation, as many as 266 Indian fishermen are currently languishing in foreign jails, according to a statement made by the Indian government on Tuesday. The government has assured that efforts are being actively pursued to secure their early release and ensure their well-being.

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Breakdown of Fishermen by Location

The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, provided a detailed breakdown of the fishermen's locations. He stated that 41 fishermen from Tamil Nadu are in Sri Lanka, while 184 fishermen from Gujarat are in Pakistan. Additionally, 10 fishermen are in Bahrain, and 31 fishermen are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Fishing Boats in Custody

Along with the detained fishermen, a significant number of fishing boats have also been taken into custody by foreign authorities. As per available data, 1,172 fishing boats from Gujarat and 87 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu are currently in the custody of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Government's Response

The Indian government has emphasized that the safety, security, and welfare of Indian fishermen are of utmost priority. As soon as cases of apprehension of Indian fishermen and their fishing boats are reported, immediate steps are taken by Indian Missions and Posts to seek consular access, ensure their welfare, and pursue their early release and repatriation along with their boats.

Consular Support and Legal Assistance

Consular Officers of Missions/Posts make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen lodged in foreign jails. They provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance through the Indian Community Welfare Fund, to ensure the well-being of the detained fishermen.

Efforts to Expedite Investigations and Proceedings

Missions/Posts abroad also actively engage with law enforcement agencies to complete investigations and judicial proceedings as swiftly as possible. The focus of the government's efforts is on securing the early release of the detained fishermen.

Preventive Measures by Indian Coast Guard

To prevent the apprehension of Indian fishermen, the Indian Coast Guard regularly conducts community interaction programs to guide fishermen about the perceived International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft maintain close surveillance along the IMBL and assist Indian fishing boats in staying within Indian waters, if necessary, to avoid apprehension by neighboring countries' Maritime Security Agencies.

Bilateral Mechanisms for Cooperation

The Indian government remains committed to the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their fishing boats. To this end, the government has established bilateral mechanisms with the concerned countries to promote cooperation and understanding, ensuring the safety and security of Indian fishermen.

The plight of Indian fishermen languishing in foreign jails highlights the need for continued efforts and cooperation between India and the respective countries to ensure the well-being and protection of these individuals. The government's proactive approach in pursuing their early release and providing support demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the interests and welfare of Indian fishermen.