India seeks release of Indian fishermen detained in Maldives

Indian authorities are seeking the release of 25 fishermen and three fishing vessels detained by the Maldives Coast Guard over alleged fishing in Maldivian waters.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging diplomatic intervention to secure the fishermen’s safe return and the release of their boats.

According to the chief minister’s appeal, the fishermen from Thoothukudi district were detained in the early hours of October 13.

The three mechanised fishing vessels had operated from Tharuvaikulam fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu.

The Maldives National Defence Force confirmed that three foreign fishing vessels were seized on suspicion of operating illegally within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET) has appealed to Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian for assistance in bringing the fishermen home and recovering their vessels without fines.

Relatives of the detainees have maintained that the boats entered Maldivian waters unintentionally.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, family members said the fishermen had been pursuing tuna when strong winds and ocean currents carried their vessels across the maritime boundary.

The families have also appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention, saying the detention of the fishermen and their boats has caused financial hardship.

They have called for the safe return of the crew and the vessels on which their livelihoods depend.

Earlier reporting, citing Indian Ministry of External Affairs sources, said the fishermen were being escorted to Malé and that Indian officials would contact them upon arrival to assess their welfare and determine further assistance.

In his letter to Jaishankar, Vijay urged swift engagement with the Maldivian government, saying the fishermen’s release and the return of their vessels would bring relief to their families and the wider fishing community.