New delhi: India and Bangladesh on Tuesday agreed to release and repatriate 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen along with their operable vessels, on humanitarian grounds.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian fishermen had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and were subsequently arrested by Bangladeshi authorities. Similarly, Bangladeshi fishermen had been apprehended by Indian authorities.
In January 2025, India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen and reciprocally released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen. The release agreements have been made considering the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities in both nations.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of the safety, security, and welfare of Indian fishermen, stating that efforts are continuously made to secure the release of Indian fishermen from Bangladeshi custody.