Lok Sabha Question No. 2206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Bilateral Agreement with Neighbouring Counrties
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2206

ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025

## BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

## 2206. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the diplomatic efforts currently being made to resolve ongoing border tensions with neighbouring countries;
- (b) whether the Government raised the issue of  repeated detention of Indian   fishermen   by   neighbouring   countries   in   any   recent   bilateral meetings, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)   the   steps   taken   by   the   Ministry   to   secure   the   release   of   Indian fishermen and their boats detained by foreign maritime authorities;
- (d) whether the Ministry has prepared any long-term bilateral agreement with neighbouring countries to prevent the arrest or harassment of Indian fishermen near maritime boundaries, if so, the details thereof;
- (e)   whether   the   Government   has   issued   any   diplomatic   protest   or demarche in recent months against territorial violations or aggressive actions near India's borders, if so, the details thereof; and

(f)   the   strategy   of   the   Government   to   safeguard   India's   territorial sovereignty while promoting regional peace and stability?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) The Government of India has taken measures to advance effective border management and maintenance of  peace and tranquillity at the border.     In   relation   to   China,   such   measures   have   been   discussed  in several  meetings  since   the October   2024 disengagement,   including   the 23 rd meeting of Special Representatives in December 2024, 33 rd meeting and   34 th Meeting   of   the   Working   Mechanism   for   Consultation   and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in March 2025 and July 2025 respectively.   With   regard   to   Pakistan,   the   Government   has   been raising the issue of cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations, and any attempts of violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, through diplomatic channels.

(b & c) Government of India attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The Government has been taking

up all fishermen related 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. In all our interactions, it has been conveyed that this   issue   may   be   considered   purely   on   humanitarian   and   livelihood grounds   and   that   the   use   of   force   should   be   avoided   in   all circumstances. Further,   our   Missions   and   Consulates   in   respective countries   make   regular   visits   to   local   jails   and   detention   centers   to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite support and legal assistance. Missions also provide necessary travel documents to facilitate repatriation of released fishermen to India.

(d) India   and   Myanmar   have   signed   an   MoU   on   Maritime   Security Cooperation in September 2017, to address legal and policy issues related to illegal activities at sea. Similarly, India and Bangladesh have signed an MoU on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy in June 2024, which includes cooperation in addressing the issue of inadvertent crossing of the International Maritime Boundary by fishermen and facilitating their early release. With regard to Sri Lanka, these issues are dealt with through the regular meetings of the India Sri Lanka 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.

(e) Government of India has expressed serious concerns over continuing instances of illegal crossing of the international border between India and Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals. In December 2024, the Government of India had strongly condemned and protested against the social media post by an Adviser of the Interim Government portraying an erroneous map of  Bangladesh which was violative of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Further, Government of India raised an instance of inadvertent air   violation   by   a   Bangladesh   domestic   airlines   in   June   2025,   so   that appropriate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such instances.

(f) The   Government   of   India   maintains   a   constant   watch   on   all developments having a bearing on India's national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them. With a focus on self-reliance, from defence   production   to   technological   innovation,   India   has   been strengthening its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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