RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.402
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2021
POLICY FOR RESCUE OF FISHERMEN
402. DR. SASMIT PATRA:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the policy for rescuing fishermen who have crossed into neighbouring nation’s waters; and
(b) the number of fishermen rescued so far through this policy?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN])
(a) Government attaches the highest priority to the welfare, safety and security of Indian fishermen.
From time to time, Indian fishermen are apprehended by neighbouring countries on charges of fishing in their territorial waters. As soon as cases of apprehension of Indian fishermen by neighbouring countries are reported, immediate steps are taken by the concerned Indian Missions for consular access to them. All possible assistance, including legal assistance, is extended to the fishermen for their early release and repatriation.
(b) As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, since 2014, 6137 Indian fishermen have been released by neighbouring countries since 2014 as per details provided below:
|
S.No |
Name of country |
Total No. of fishermen released since 2014 |
|
1 |
Sri Lanka |
2763 |
|
2 |
Maldives |
8 |
|
3 |
Pakistan |
2100 |
|
4 |
Myanmar |
8 |
|
5 |
Bangladesh |
1258 |
***