Fri Jan 03 08:23:46 UTC 2025: ## India and Bangladesh to Repatriate 185 Fishermen in Joint Humanitarian Effort
**New Delhi/Dhaka, January 2, 2025** – In a significant gesture of goodwill, India and Bangladesh are set to repatriate a total of 185 fishermen on January 5th, 2025. The exchange, involving 95 Indian and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, will take place at sea, coordinated by the respective coast guards. The repatriation also includes the return of two Bangladeshi fishing vessels seized in India and six Indian fishing boats seized in Bangladesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India highlighted the humanitarian aspects of the operation, stating that many fishermen from both countries are inadvertently arrested after crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The repatriation aims to ease the hardships faced by these fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
The process, which began on January 2nd, involves close coordination between various ministries in both countries, including foreign affairs, home affairs, fisheries, and shipping. The Bangladesh Coast Guard is managing the logistical arrangements for the sea-based repatriation of Indian fishermen, with the operation expected to conclude by midday on January 6th when Bangladeshi fishermen and their vessels are expected to arrive in Chattogram. The Indian Coast Guard will similarly facilitate the return of Bangladeshi fishermen.
This joint operation underscores the growing bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the welfare of fishing communities on both sides of the IMBL.
First Piper 