India, Bangladesh exchange fishermen in coordinated repatriation effort

New Delhi, Dec 9: India and Bangladesh on Tuesday completed the release and repatriation of fishermen who had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line in recent weeks.

A total of 47 Indian fishermen detained by Bangladeshi authorities and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen held in India were released and sent home, along with their operable vessel.

These measures follow earlier exchanges in January 2025, when India secured the release of 95 Indian fishermen and, in return, released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen. Both governments said the coordinated effort was guided by humanitarian considerations and the need to protect the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities on either side of the border. The Government of India reiterated that the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen remain a top priority, and affirmed its continued efforts to ensure the timely release of Indian nationals detained in Bangladesh.