How fisherfolk are getting caught in the net of worsening India-Bangladesh ties

All is not well between India and Bangladesh. This time, trouble is along the maritime boundary the two countries share.

In the first week of August, 14 Indian fishermen were arrested and a trawler, FB Paromita, was detained by the Bangladeshi Navy. Before that, in the second week of July, 34 Indian fishermen were arrested and two trawlers, FB Jhor and FB Ma Mangal Chandi, were detained near Bangladesh’s Mongla Port.

Transgressions by fishermen are a regular issue between India and Bangladesh, but the frequency and intensity of these incidents are on the rise.

In 2024, between August and December, 185 fishermen – 90 Bangladeshis, 95 Indians – were detained. After considerable engagement, the fishermen from both sides were finally repatriated in January.

But with India-Bangladesh relations nosediving, political negotiations look difficult and the issue is likely to turn even more intractable.

Transgressions are common along maritime boundaries.

A steady demand for fish and dwindling resources at sea have led to indiscriminate fishing. Transgressions by fisherfolk happen deliberately or unknowingly. Deliberate transgressions are driven by the mismatch between marine and political geographies and the desperation for a good catch.

Oftentimes, when fishers are chasing a good catch, the temptation to cross the international boundary is too high to resist – despite knowing the repercussions. This can lead to indiscriminate fishing and over-exploitation of fishing resources,...

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