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

(a) whether Government maintains records of the number of Indian fishermen and fishing vessels in the custody of other countries, presently, and if so, the details thereof, country-wise, and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(b) the efforts made by Government to get the fishermen released and financially compensated?

ANSWER THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) & (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 76 REGARDING “INDIAN FISHERMEN/VESSELS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY” FOR ANSWER ON 08.08.2013

(a) As per available information, as on 30 July, 2013, 437 fishermen, believed to be Indian nationals and 740 Indian fishing vessels are in custody of Pakistan. Of this, Ministry of Home Affairs has verified the Indian nationality of 378 fishermen. There are also 114 Indian fishermen (along with 21 Indian fishing vessels) in the custody of Sri Lanka and 21 in the custody of Iran as of date. Besides, 14 Indian fishermen with 4 boats are in the custody of Sri Lanka on charges of smuggling narcotics and contraband.

(b) 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. During the 4th meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries in January 2012 in Colombo, both sides reiterated the highest priority accorded by their respective Governments to the well being, safety and security of fishermen from the two countries. India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners, consisting of retired judges of higher judiciary from India and Pakistan, has also been set up to ensure humane treatment and expeditious release of fishermen, who have completed their prison terms and whose nationality has been verified. Government has also emphasised upon the need to ensure humane treatment and no resort to violence against fishermen under any circumstances.

Ministry of Agriculture is the nodal agency for payment of compensation to fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails. The Soft Loan Package for replacement of fishing vessels held in captivity in Pakistan is implemented by the Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA).

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