Lok Sabha Question No. 1928 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Arrest of Indian Fishermen from Tamil Nadu
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Robert Bruce C

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1928

ANSWERED ON- 06/12/2024

ARREST OF INDIAN FISHERMEN FROM TAMIL NADU

1928. SHRI ROBERT BRUCE C

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a)   the   steps   taken/proposed   to   be   taken   by   the   Union   Government   to tackle  the   issue   of   innocent   Indian   Fishermen   from   Tamil   Nadu   being arrested in the Middle Eastern Countries;

(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to raise the issue of arrest, detention and illegal execution of Indian Fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Authorities; and

(c) the number of Indian Fishermen from the State of Tamil Nadu presently detained/incarcerated in foreign jails as on date, country-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to c) Government of India attaches highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The fishermen issue is dealt with in a bilateral manner and the Government has been taking up the fishermen issues, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats, with respective Governments through diplomatic channels, various   official   interactions   and   established   bilateral   mechanisms.   The matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen is consistently raised with respective countries at all levels and it is conveyed that this issue may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds. Further, our Missions and Consulates in respective countries make regular visits to local jails and detention centres to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance.   Our   Missions   also   provide necessary   travel   documents   to facilitate repatriation of released fishermen to India.

With respect to Sri Lanka, during his visit in October 2024, EAM discussed the issues related to fishermen with the new political leadership. The issue is also dealt with through bilateral institutional mechanisms such as the regular meetings of the bilateral Joint Working Group on fisheries, which includes representatives from the Government of  Tamil Nadu.   The last JWG meeting on fisheries was held on 29 October 2024.

| Country      | Number of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu in                                                                                                                       |
|--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sri Lanka    | 486                                                                                                                                                                 |
| Pakistan     | 07                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Bahrain      | 37                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Saudi Arabia | 25 (Number represents total Indians in custody. Host government does not share passport details of Indian nationals arrested and hence state-wise data unavailable) |

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