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Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Pakistani Boat in Arabian Sea, 9 Detained

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat named AL-MADINA inside Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea. The boat attempted to flee when challenged but was boarded by ICG personnel, leading to the detention of nine crew members. This marks the second such interception in recent weeks, following the apprehension of 11 Pakistani fishermen in December. The incident occurs amid heightened maritime security focus and recent India-Japan coast guard cooperation talks.

Key Points: Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Pakistani Boat in Indian Waters

  • Pakistani boat intercepted in Indian waters
  • Boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan
  • Nine crew members detained
  • Second such incident in recent weeks
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard intercepts Pakistani fishing boat inside Indian waters, nine detained

ICG intercepts Pakistani fishing boat AL-MADINA inside Indian waters near maritime boundary. Nine crew detained for investigation in Porbandar.

"In a swift and precise night operation... the #ICG Ship intercepted and boarded the boat in Indian waters. - Indian Coast Guard on X"

New Delhi, January 15

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat that had strayed into Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea.

According to the ICG, the boat, named AL-MADINA, was sighted by an ICG ship on patrol in the region on January 14. When challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan, but was intercepted and boarded by the ICG personnel in Indian waters.

A total of nine crew members were found on board the Pakistani boat. The boat is being towed to Porbandar by the ICG ship for thorough "rummaging and joint interrogation" by agencies concerned, the post added.

In a post on X, ICG stated, "In a swift and precise night operation, an @IndiaCoastGuard Ship whilst on patrol in #Arabian sea sighted a #Pakistani Fishing Boat inside #Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line on 14 Jan 26. On being challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan side, however, the #ICG Ship intercepted and boarded the boat in Indian waters. A total of 09 crew were found in the #Pakistani boat, AL-MADINA. The boat is being towed to #Porbandar by #ICG Ship for thorough rummaging and joint interrogation by concerned agencies. The operation reaffirms #ICG's unwavering commitment to secure #Bharat's maritime frontiers through relentless vigil and law enforcement across the nation's maritime domain.

This is the second such incident in recent weeks. In December last year, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended 11 Pakistani fishermen after their boat, Al Wali, was found inside Indian waters near Jakhau without permission. Defence PRO Gujarat had said the fishermen were intercepted on December 10 inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and were brought to Jakhau Port along with the vessel for further investigation.

The latest interception comes amid heightened focus on maritime security and international cooperation in the region. Earlier this week, India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation during the 22nd High-Level Meeting of the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard held in New Delhi.

The meeting was led by Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, who is on a five-day official visit to India from January 13 to 17. The discussions focused on enhancing operational engagement in areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Law Enforcement and capacity building.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While security is paramount, I hope the fishermen are treated humanely. Often these are poor people just trying to make a living who get caught in geopolitical tensions. A thorough but fair investigation is needed.
V
Vikram M
This is the second incident in weeks. The pattern is concerning. Is there a lack of awareness on their side, or is it deliberate probing of our defenses? The agencies must get to the bottom of this. Salute to our ICG personnel for the swift action!
P
Priyanka N
The timing with the Japan Coast Guard meeting is interesting. Shows we are serious about maritime security and building strong partnerships. This sends a clear message about safeguarding our waters.
R
Rohit P
They always try to flee. Shows guilty conscience. Our coast guard was alert and did their duty perfectly. We need more such patrols and better technology to monitor every inch of our maritime boundary.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the interception is good, I wish our media would also highlight when our fishermen are detained by Pakistan. It's a two-way issue that affects many Indian families in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The human cost on both sides is real.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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