India has formally approached the Bangladeshi authorities, seeking consular access to 34 Indian fishermen who were recently detained for allegedly entering Bangladeshi waters. The request was made through diplomatic channels and is currently under consideration by Dhaka.
These fishermen were reportedly arrested by the Bangladesh Coast Guard after their boats crossed into Bangladeshi maritime territory, possibly due to poor visibility or strong tides—common challenges faced by small fishing vessels in the Bay of Bengal region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure the well-being of the detained individuals. Indian officials are also coordinating with the families of the fishermen, most of whom are from coastal states such as West Bengal and Odisha.
This isn’t the first time fishermen from either country have been caught on the wrong side of maritime boundaries. Due to the lack of clearly marked borders at sea, many fishermen accidentally drift into neighboring waters, leading to regular detentions.
The Indian government has emphasized the importance of a humanitarian approach in such cases and has urged Bangladeshi officials to allow consular access and expedite the legal process. The hope is that a quick resolution will allow the fishermen to return home safely.
Meanwhile, both nations continue to explore ways to better manage maritime boundaries and prevent such incidents through better communication and GPS tracking support for fishermen.