**Executive Summary:**
This document outlines the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' responses to parliamentary questions regarding diplomatic efforts to resolve border tensions, the detention of Indian fishermen, and measures to safeguard India's territorial sovereignty. It details diplomatic engagements with China and Pakistan, efforts to secure the release of detained fishermen, bilateral agreements with neighboring countries, and responses to territorial violations. The information provided covers the period leading up to August 1, 2025, referencing specific meetings and agreements from 2017 to 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Border Management and Peace:**
* India engages in border management and maintains peace with neighboring countries.
* Meetings with China have addressed border issues since October 2024.
* Diplomatic channels are used to raise concerns with Pakistan regarding cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations.
* **Indian Fishermen Safety and Security:**
* The government prioritizes the safety and security of Indian fishermen.
* Fishermen-related issues are addressed with respective governments through diplomatic channels.
* The government seeks early release and repatriation of fishermen and boats.
* Missions and Consulates visit jails to support Indian fishermen.
* **Bilateral Agreements and Maritime Cooperation:**
* An MoU with Myanmar addresses maritime security cooperation (September 2017).
* An MoU with Bangladesh covers maritime cooperation and the blue economy (June 2024).
* Issues with Sri Lanka are managed through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries.
* **Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty:**
* Concerns were raised over illegal border crossings by Bangladeshi nationals.
* Protests were lodged against erroneous maps violating India's sovereignty (December 2024).
* An instance of inadvertent air violation by a Bangladesh domestic airlines in June 2025 was raised.
* **Safeguarding National Interests:**
* India strengthens its sovereignty and territorial integrity through self-reliance.
* The government monitors developments affecting India's national interest.
**Impact Analysis:**
**Indian Fishermen:**
* *Impact:* The policy aims to secure their safety, early release, and repatriation if detained by foreign maritime authorities.
* *Action Required:* To be aware of maritime boundaries and cooperate with authorities to avoid inadvertent crossings.
**Government of India (Ministry of External Affairs):**
* *Impact:* Responsible for diplomatic efforts, negotiations, and implementing bilateral agreements.
* *Action Required:* Continue diplomatic engagements, monitor border situations, and provide support to detained fishermen.
**Neighboring Countries (China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka):**
* *Impact:* Subject to diplomatic discussions regarding border tensions, cross-border activities, and maritime cooperation.
* *Action Required:* Engage in constructive dialogue, adhere to agreements, and cooperate on border management and maritime issues.
**Government of Tamil Nadu:**
* *Impact:* Involved in discussions and resolutions related to Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lanka.
* *Action Required:* Participate in the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries to address concerns and find solutions.
Key Entities Referenced
China: A neighboring country with which India has ongoing border tensions.
Pakistan: A neighboring country with whom India has issues regarding cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations.
Indian fishermen: Indian citizens who are frequently detained by neighboring countries while fishing.
Myanmar: A neighboring country that signed an MoU with India on Maritime Security Cooperation in September 2017.
Bangladesh: A neighboring country that signed an MoU with India on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy in June 2024.
Sri Lanka: A neighboring country with whom India addresses fisheries issues through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries.
India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries: A group consisting of representatives from India and Sri Lanka, including the Government of Tamil Nadu, that deals with fisheries issues.
Tamil Nadu: An Indian state that is represented in the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2206
ANSWERED ON – 01/08/2025
BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
2206. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the diplomatic efforts currently being made to resolve
ongoing border tensions with neighbouring countries;
(b) whether the Government raised the issue of repeated detention of
Indian fishermen by neighbouring countries in any recent bilateral
meetings, if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Ministry to secure the release of Indian
fishermen and their boats detained by foreign maritime authorities;
(d) whether the Ministry has prepared any long-term bilateral agreement
with neighbouring countries to prevent the arrest or harassment of Indian
fishermen near maritime boundaries, if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has issued any diplomatic protest or
demarche in recent months against territorial violations or aggressive
actions near India's borders, if so, the details thereof; and
1(f) the strategy of the Government to safeguard India’s territorial
sovereignty while promoting regional peace and stability?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a) The Government of India has taken measures to advance effective
border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity at the
border. In relation to China, such measures have been discussed in
several meetings since the October 2024 disengagement, including the
23rd meeting of Special Representatives in December 2024, 33rd meeting
and 34th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and
Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in March 2025 and July
2025 respectively. With regard to Pakistan, the Government has been
raising the issue of cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations, and any
attempts of violation of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, through
diplomatic channels.
(b & c) Government of India attaches the highest priority to the safety,
security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The Government has been taking
2up all fishermen related issues, including the early release and repatriation
of Indian fishermen and fishing boats, with respective governments
through diplomatic channels, various official interactions and established
bilateral mechanisms. In all our interactions, it has been conveyed that
this issue may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood
grounds and that the use of force should be avoided in all
circumstances. Further, our Missions and Consulates in respective
countries make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to
ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite support
and legal assistance. Missions also provide necessary travel documents to
facilitate repatriation of released fishermen to India.
(d) India and Myanmar have signed an MoU on Maritime Security
Cooperation in September 2017, to address legal and policy issues related
to illegal activities at sea. Similarly, India and Bangladesh have signed an
MoU on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy in June 2024, which
includes cooperation in addressing the issue of inadvertent crossing of the
International Maritime Boundary by fishermen and facilitating their early
release. With regard to Sri Lanka, these issues are dealt with through the
regular meetings of the India Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries,
3which includes representatives from the Government of Tamil Nadu. The
last JWG meeting on fisheries was held on 29 October 2024.
(e) Government of India has expressed serious concerns over continuing
instances of illegal crossing of the international border between India and
Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals. In December 2024, the Government
of India had strongly condemned and protested against the social media
post by an Adviser of the Interim Government portraying an erroneous map
of Bangladesh which was violative of India’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity. Further, Government of India raised an instance of inadvertent
air violation by a Bangladesh domestic airlines in June 2025, so that
appropriate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such instances.
(f) The Government of India maintains a constant watch on all
developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and takes all
necessary measures to safeguard them. With a focus on self-reliance, from
defence production to technological innovation, India has been
strengthening its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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