Fishermen Issues Addressed Through Diplomatic Channels, Says MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh 

New Delhi: The Government said that the welfare, safety, and security of Indian fishermen are of the highest priority. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed that the issue of the fishermen is dealt with through diplomatic channels bilaterally with neighbouring countries. The minister said that the Government has been taking up the fishermen’s issues, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and their fishing boats, with the respective governments. The Minister further said that the Missions and Consulates in the neighbouring countries are making regular visits to local jails and detention centres to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance. Mr. Singh also informed that 217 Indian fishermen have been apprehended by Pakistan, 98 by Sri Lanka, of which 39 are under trial, and 59 are serving sentences. He also added that 28 fishermen are in Saudi Arabia and four each in Bahrain and Kuwait currently.