Indian forces detained nine crew members from a vessel that strayed into disputed waters, heightening tensions over maritime boundaries.
Indian authorities arrested nine Pakistani fishermen and seized their boat in the Arabian Sea on 14 January 2026. The incident occurred near the International Maritime Boundary Line during a night patrol. The crew attempted to flee but were intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is under tow to Porbandar for investigation.
This latest case of India arrests Pakistani fishermen underscores ongoing disputes over undefined sea borders between the two nations. Such incidents affect thousands of families reliant on fishing, straining bilateral ties amid calls for humanitarian releases.
Details of the Incident
An Indian Coast Guard ship spotted the Pakistani boat Al-Madina inside Indian waters on 14 January 2026. When challenged, the vessel tried to escape towards Pakistan. The Coast Guard boarded it and found nine crew members aboard. “In a swift and precise night operation, an Indian Coast Guard 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,” stated the Indian Coast Guard in an official post. “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 detained individuals are Mohammed Idris, Mohammed Yousuf, Fareed Aslam, Mohammed Hussain, Ibrahim Sona Mian, Mohammed Shahid, Mohammed Younis, Mohammed Haroon, and Arif Hassan. They hail from fishing communities in Karachi. This marks the second such event in a month, following the detention of 11 Pakistani fishermen on 12 December 2025. Over the past month, 20 more have faced similar fates.
Impact on Fishing Communities
Pakistani fishermen detained in such operations often endure prolonged incarceration. Families suffer as many detainees are sole earners. “The continuous arrest and detention of poor fishermen under the pretext of disputed maritime boundaries is unacceptable and inhumane,” said Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Chairman Mehran Ali Shah. He demanded immediate release of all held in Indian jails.
Fatima Majeed, chairperson of the Fishermen Cooperative Society and senior vice chairperson of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, highlighted economic losses. “It is not just a loss of fishermen but also their fishing boat, which the fishermen construct themselves within their meagre means. Even after their release the boats are never returned to them.” She added that arrests mean years behind bars in harsh conditions, leaving women and children in hardship. “Therefore, arresting the fishermen like this is also a violation of human rights. They were only earning a livelihood. And they got arrested because there are no visible boundaries in the sea.”
These Arabian Sea border arrests exacerbate poverty in coastal areas. Fishing supports over 1 million people in Pakistan’s Sindh province alone, per government estimates. Disputes trace to the unresolved Sir Creek boundary, leading to frequent incursions.
Background
Tensions over maritime limits date back to 1947 partition. The International Maritime Boundary Line remains notional in parts, causing accidental crossings. In September 2025, India released 48 Pakistani fishermen after diplomatic efforts. However, arrests persist. On 1 January 2026, India and Pakistan exchanged prisoner lists under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement. Pakistan reported holding 199 Indian fishermen; India holds 33 Pakistani fishermen.
Such exchanges aim to verify nationalities and facilitate repatriation. Yet, delays occur due to verification processes. Human rights groups urge both sides to establish joint patrols or demarcation to prevent India arrests Pakistani fishermen incidents.
Historical data shows hundreds detained annually. In 2025, over 100 Pakistani fishermen faced arrest by Indian forces. Releases often follow high-level talks, but seized assets like boats remain unreturned, costing families up to PKR 5 million each.
What’s Next
Investigations at Porbandar will determine if charges proceed under maritime laws. If convicted, the nine could face years in prison. Diplomatic channels may open for release, given recent prisoner exchanges. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum plans protests and appeals to international bodies for intervention in Arabian Sea border arrests.
Advocates call for bilateral agreements to address root causes. Until resolved, such events risk escalating tensions. India arrests Pakistani fishermen cases highlight the need for clearer boundaries to protect livelihoods.
This incident of India seizes Pakistani boat follows a pattern, with calls growing for humanitarian approaches amid disputed waters.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 17th, 2026
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