Parliament Question: Consular and Legal Assistance to Detained Fishermen

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 995 ANSWERED ON - 24/07/2026 CONSULAR AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO DETAINED FISHERMEN

995. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether consular and legal assistance is provided to fishermen detained in foreign prisons, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether any delays have occurred in repatriation of fishermen after completion of legal formalities, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether compensation or relief is provided to families of detained fishermen, if so, the details thereof including details of the scheme in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor;

1(d) whether technological support such as GPS devices is provided to fishermen to avoid boundary violations, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether coordination exists between Central and State Governments to address fishermen detention issues, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (e) The Government of India attaches high 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 boats, with respective Governments through diplomatic channels, various official interactions and established bilateral mechanisms. In all interactions, it is conveyed that the issues related to fishermen may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds and that the use of 2force should be avoided in all circumstances. Further, Indian Missions and Consulates in the respective countries make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance. The Missions also provide necessary travel documents to facilitate repatriation of released fishermen to India.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India runs various flagship programs for the welfare of fishermen. State Governments also run various relief schemes to provide financial assistance to the family members of the detained fishermen. A JWG on Fisheries which includes representatives of various stakeholders at Central and State Governments also meet regularly.

The Government has been rolling out Vessel Communication and Support System, including the installation of transponders, under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), on approximately 1,00,000 fishing vessels in coastal states and Union Territories. The two way communication system allows for sending and receiving 3emergency messages in cases of natural calamities and for alerting fishermen if they unintentionally cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

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