Indian Coast Guard Detains 79 Bangladeshi Fishermen After Boats Found Inside Indian EEZ

New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard detained 79 fishermen from Bangladesh after intercepting three fishing boats inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Bay of Bengal. The interceptions took place on November 15 and 16, 2025, during regular surveillance near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessels were operating about two nautical miles inside Indian maritime limits.

Coast Guard ships Amrit Kaur and Kamla Devi were on scheduled patrol when they detected multiple boats close to the boundary line. Upon closing in, the patrol teams identified the vessels as Bangladeshi fishing boats and initiated standard interception procedures. Officers boarded the boats to inspect documentation and assess their activities. According to officials involved in the operation, the crews could not produce any licence or authorization allowing them to fish in Indian waters. Coast Guard personnel also noted the presence of active nets and fresh catch on all three boats, confirming that the vessels were engaged in fishing operations at the time of interception.

A total of 79 fishermen, including three minors, were taken into custody. The boats were escorted to Frazerganj in West Bengal, where the detainees were handed over to the Marine Police for legal procedures. The Coast Guard stated that the interception and escort operations were completed without resistance or complications.

Rules Governing Foreign Fishing Vessels

The enforcement action was carried out under the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981. The law outlines the conditions under which foreign vessels may enter or fish in India’s maritime zones. It prohibits fishing by foreign vessels in India’s territorial waters, the EEZ, or the continental shelf unless a valid permit or licence has been issued by the Government of India.

Under the Act, authorities are empowered to stop, board, and inspect any foreign vessel suspected of operating illegally. When violations are confirmed, the boats may be seized, fishing equipment confiscated, and crew members detained for prosecution. The Act also mandates coordination between the Coast Guard, local police units, and other enforcement agencies during follow-up action.

The detained fishermen will undergo standard verification procedures. Their identities, ages, and nationality documents will be examined, and consular access will be provided in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs. Once legal processes are completed, repatriation will be undertaken in consultation with the Bangladesh High Commission.

Unauthorized fishing incidents along the India–Bangladesh maritime boundary have been reported frequently over the years. Fishing communities on both sides operate close to the IMBL, and vessels sometimes cross boundaries knowingly or due to inadequate navigation tools. The Bay of Bengal’s fishing grounds often become points of overlap, resulting in repeated enforcement encounters. Despite these challenges, the IMBL remains a clearly demarcated boundary accepted by both nations.

India and Bangladesh have held several rounds of bilateral discussions on maritime and fisheries issues, including working groups focused on fishing rights, fishermen’s safety, and compliance with maritime laws. Both countries are also parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes legal guidelines for maritime boundaries and jurisdiction over natural resources.

The Coast Guard routinely conducts patrols along the IMBL to ensure compliance with these rules. Officials emphasize that scheduled patrols, vessel monitoring, and community outreach are essential components of India’s maritime enforcement system.

Status of the Detained Fishermen

As of November 18, 2025, the fishermen remain in custody while the Marine Police complete the necessary legal formalities. Documentation of the seized equipment, registration details of the boats, and other material evidence is currently being compiled. Once this process is complete, the case will proceed under the Maritime Zones of India Act.

The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with Bangladeshi authorities regarding consular procedures. Past incidents of this nature have typically resulted in repatriation after the conclusion of legal formalities. The timeline for this case will depend on verification and court-related processes.

The Coast Guard has stated that it will continue monitoring the IMBL through regular patrols and targeted surveillance. The agency emphasized that illegal fishing inside India’s EEZ is a violation of domestic and international maritime regulations and will continue to be addressed through strict enforcement measures.