The meeting of the India-Pakistan Joint Working Group to work out a mechanism for release of fishermen and their boats who cross maritime borders inadvertently was held recently. The Indian delegation was led by Vice Admiral M.P. Muralidharan, Director General Indian Coast Guard, while the Pakistan delegation was led by Rear Admiral Waseem Akram, Director General, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

The group held preliminary discussions on the issue and recognised the need for addressing the humanitarian aspect of inadvertent crossing of maritime borders by legitimate fishermen. The discussions were fruitful in mutual exchange of ideas and deliberating way ahead in evolving a suitable mechanism for release of such fishermen and their boats. It was also acknowledged that focused approach and sustained efforts of the group needs to be continued.