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

(a) the steps taken by Government in the aftermath of the unfortunate deaths of Indian fishermen while working off the waters of Dubai;
(b) the actions initiated with the US Government in order to bring the guilty to justice; and
(c) whether any compensation has been offered to the families of the deceased and the injured fishermen by the private fishing company or the US Government, the details thereof?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) Government of India (GOI) is in contact with the Governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA) with regard to the death of an Indian fisherman off the coast of UAE following firing by a US Naval Ship. GOI has sought from the US Government a full, transparent and expeditious investigation into the shooting incident. The UAE Government has registered a case and is conducting an independent enquiry into the incident. Our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi and our Consulate officials in Dubai have visited the injured fishermen in hospital and have extended all possible assistance in their medical treatment. GOI has also assisted in the transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased fisherman to his home town in Tamil Nadu.

(b) The United States has expressed regret on the loss of life of the Indian fisherman and injury to three others and has conveyed that it is carrying out full investigation into the incident. The US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement on 17 July 2012 conveying its condolences to families of Indian fishermen who came under fire from the US Naval Ship. The US Government has further conveyed that its Department of Defence has launched two separate investigations into the incident. GOI is in touch with the authorities in the US and UAE who are carrying out full investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident.

(c)The US Government has conveyed to GOI that it is exploring the possibility of providing humanitarian assistance and relief to the affected families without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation.

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