INDIAN COAST GUARD FACILITATES SAFE RECIPROCAL REPATRIATION OF INDIAN FISHERMEN FROM BANGLADESH

Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India and Indian Coast Guard in          co-ordination with Bangladesh authorities successfully facilitated mutual repatriation of 23 Indian fishermen alongwith two (02) Indian fishing boats (IFBs) detained in Bangladesh .

The repatriation was part of reciprocal arrangement, wherein Govt of India also released 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five (05) Bangladesh Fishing boats apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard for illegal fishing within Indian EEZ. The exchange took place along International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in Bay of Bengal early today morning. The fishermen were safely handed over by Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar and ICGS Vijaya to BCG ships Kamaruzzaman and Sonar Bangla in a coordinated effort. 

The repatriated fishermen along with two (02) IFBs will be handed over to respective State Administration. The mutual exchange of fishermen and their boats is resultant of Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, efforts keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities. The successful repatriation reaffirms the collective commitment of both nations towards ensuring the safety and well-being of fishermen from both countries, highlighting the importance of maritime collaboration in shared seas and humanitarian efforts.