Delhi: The number of Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan off the Gujarat coast has notably decreased in recent years. Last year, Pakistan arrested only 9 fishermen in 2023, and only 19 so far in 2024 when over a half of year has passed. 

This is a major drop compared to previous years when larger numbers were detained annually. In 2021, Pakistan arrested 223 Indian fishermen. The number dropped to 132 in 2022, only 9 in 2023 and 19 in 2024 so far. 

When it comes to Guajrat fishermen, it’s very interesting to note that while in 2021, as many as 199 Gujarat fishermen were arrested by Pakistan, the count went down to 85 in 2022, just 9 in 2023 and nil or zero in 2024 so far, when over half the year has passed. All fishermen arrested by Pakistan in 2024 so far are from states other than Gujarat, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The table below provides a detailed account of the arrests, releases, and fatalities of Indian fishermen by Pakistan over the past three years and the current year:

Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, shared this data in a written response to Lok Sabha today. The Government of India prioritizes the safety and welfare of Indian fishermen and regularly addresses the issue at the highest levels.

Indian fishermen often cross into Pakistani waters due to the lack of fish in Gujarat’s waters. Disputes over the Sir Creek area and the undefined maritime boundary contribute to these issues. The Indian Coast Guard actively works to prevent such crossings by monitoring and guiding fishermen away from international boundaries. DeshGujarat