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Journalism of Courage
As part of confidence building measures along the maritime border, India and Pakistan will hold high-level talks in New Delhi on Thursday that will focus on speedy repatriation of fishermen and sharing of intelligence for possible “coordinated” anti-smuggling operations in the future.
The talks, held on an annual basis under the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the countries, will be conducted between Director General of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar and Director General of Indian Coast Guard Vice Admiral RF Contractor from August 9-11.
While officials remain tightlipped on the agenda, sources say the dialogue is likely to focus on developing a system for faster repatriation of fishermen detained for crossing the maritime border between the countries. The countries are looking at a mechanism as a step ahead of the hotline communication link set up between the two Director Generals.
In a measure that will go a long way in securing maritime border, the possibility of sharing intelligence regarding smuggling and illicit trafficking for a “synergised approach” on the issue will also be explored during the meet. Sources say that the two forces may be willing to pool resources for conducting coordinated operations along the border in the future.
Other issues likely to surface during the talks include exchange of notes on violations of the Exclusive Economic Zone, pollution incidents along the border, developing a joint maritime search and rescue mechanism and tackling natural disasters. The last time the chief of the Coast Guard of Pakistan visited New Delhi was in December 2004. Both forces routinely arrest fishermen who cross the international boundary. In the latest incident, a Pakistani fisherman was killed after Indian Coast Guard opened fire on them.
