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

(a) the details of the number of Indian fishermen killed or detained by foreign countries during the last three years;

(b) the details of their number as well as their years in detention country-wise; and

(c) the steps Government has taken till date in this regard?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 392 REGARDING “FISHERMEN KILLED OR DETAINED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES” FOR ANSWER ON 20.12.2012

(a) to (c) As per available information, since January 2009, 06 Indian fishermen have died in incidents involving foreign countries. This includes three Indian fishermen reported to have died in Sri Lankan waters; one died off the coast of UAE following firing by a US Naval Ship; and two died off the coast of Kerala in an incident of firing from an Italian merchant vessel.

As per available information, the details of Indian fishermen detained by foreign countries over the past three years are follows:

Country 2009 2010 2011 2012 (till 15 December)
Bangladesh 03 02 79 82
Iran – 24 – 58
Pakistan 256 100 476 250
Sri Lanka 127 32 203 175
Qatar Not available 69 121 44
UAE – – – 6

The Government attaches high importance to the welfare, safety and security of our fishermen. As soon as reports of apprehension of Indian fishermen are received, the Government has, through diplomatic channels, immediately and consistently taken up the matter for their expeditious release and repatriation with the Governments concerned. The matter has also been taken up during bilateral meetings at various levels. The Government has also emphasised upon the need to ensure humane treatment and that there should be no resort to violence against fishermen under any circumstances.

Due to Government’s consistent efforts, there are presently no Indian fishermen in the custody of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on fisheries related charges. However, 10 Indian fishermen are in custody of Sri Lanka on charges of smuggling narcotics and contraband. As per available information, the number of Indian fishermen in detention of foreign countries is 134 in Pakistan, 29 in Iran and 06 in Qatar as on date.

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Miscellaneous

South Asia