Premium

151 fishermen, 7 vessels repatriated in India-Bangladesh maritime exchange

India and Bangladesh on Friday carried out a coordinated maritime operation to repatriate 151 fishermen and seven fishing vessels across the International Maritime Boundary Line.

2 min readUpdated: Jan 31, 2026 09:14 AM IST

The operation highlights growing maritime cooperation and a humanitarian approach to protecting fishing communities in shared waters.

India and Bangladesh repatriated 151 fishermen and seven fishing vessels in a coordinated exchange across the International Maritime Boundary Line. (Image : Indian Coast Guards)

India and Bangladesh repatriated 151 fishermen and seven fishing vessels across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) early Friday.

While 23 Indian fishermen and two Indian Fishing Boats (IFBs) returned to India, 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five vessels, apprehended for illegal fishing within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), were released.
The operation was coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Bangladeshi authorities. The handover took place at the maritime border, with Indian Coast Guard Ships — Samudra Paheredar and Vijaya meeting Bangladeshi vessels — Kamaruzzaman and Sonar Bangla.

The repatriated Indian fishermen are being escorted to port and will be handed over to state administrations for reunion with families.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the move was rooted in a commitment to the well-being of those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

“The mutual exchange is a result of concerted diplomatic efforts, keeping in mind the humanitarian concerns of the fishing communities. This reaffirms the collective commitment of both nations toward ensuring the safety of fishermen,” the statement read.

The move underscores growing maritime collaboration between India and Bangladesh, to address livelihood concerns of fishing communities in the Bay of Bengal, ensuring safety and cooperation in shared waters.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Indian fishermen

Loading Taboola...