15 Pakistani Fishermen Apprehended by BSF and Coast Guard Near Gujarat: A Deeper Look into the Border Security Challenge

 Date: 24 August 2025

By: The Bharat Brief Desk

15 Pakistani Fishermen Apprehended by BSF and Coast Guard Near Gujarat

🚨 The IncidentO

On 24th August 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF), in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, apprehended 15 Pakistani fishermen along with an engine-fitted boat near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat’s Kutch district.

The operation was carried out in the Kori Creek area, a sensitive stretch near the international boundary, based on specific intelligence inputs.

Upon inspection, the seized boat was found carrying:

60 kilograms of fish

Nine fishing nets

Diesel containers

Food supplies and ice

Wooden sticks

A mobile phone

Pakistani currency worth Rs. 200

All the apprehended fishermen were identified as residents of Sujawal district in Sindh, Pakistan. BSF officials have begun a thorough investigation to determine the exact purpose behind their entry into Indian waters.

🌊 Why Fishermen End Up Crossing Borders

The Gujarat coastline, particularly the Kori Creek and Sir Creek region, is one of the most sensitive maritime zones between India and Pakistan. Fishermen from both sides often find themselves crossing the invisible maritime boundary due to multiple factors:

1. Lack of GPS Technology – Most traditional boats from Pakistan’s Sindh region and India’s Gujarat coast lack modern navigation systems. In the vast Arabian Sea, it becomes easy to drift unknowingly.

2. Rich Fishing Grounds – The waters near Kori Creek and Sir Creek are extremely fertile for fish and prawns. The lure of bigger catches often pushes fishermen closer to the boundary.

3. Ambiguous Maritime Boundary – The Sir Creek dispute between India and Pakistan remains unresolved since Partition. This has left large areas without clearly demarcated borders, leading to frequent confusion.

4. Deliberate Trespassing – While many cases are accidental, security agencies have also flagged instances where fishermen act as informants or carry out intelligence gathering for hostile elements across the border.

🚧 The Role of BSF and Coast Guard

India’s Border Security Force (BSF), particularly its 68th Battalion, keeps a close watch on the Kutch coastline. In this incident, their timely operation not only prevented unauthorized entry but also helped ensure that the situation was handled without violence.

The Indian Coast Guard, which works in close coordination with the BSF, plays a critical role in intercepting suspicious vessels, checking smuggling activities, and preventing any infiltration attempts from the sea route.

📜 Historical Context of Fishermen Arrests

The arrest of fishermen is not a new phenomenon in Indo-Pak relations. Every year, hundreds of fishermen from both sides are apprehended after crossing into each other’s territorial waters.

As per data, over 200 Pakistani fishermen are currently lodged in Indian jails, while more than 150 Indian fishermen remain in Pakistani prisons.

Fishermen often face long jail terms because the release process is tied to diplomatic exchanges and not just legal procedures.

Boats seized during such operations are rarely returned, leading to major financial losses for poor fishing communities.

For decades, civil society groups from both countries have appealed for a “humanitarian approach” toward these arrests. Yet, tensions between India and Pakistan often delay repatriation.

⚔️ Security Concerns for India

While many fishermen plead innocence, India’s security agencies cannot afford to treat these incursions lightly. The Arabian Sea has historically been used by smugglers, infiltrators, and even terror groups to push weapons and operatives into Indian territory.

The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts had a direct sea-route connection from Pakistan.

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 were executed by terrorists who entered via fishing boats.

Because of this history, every intrusion — even by seemingly innocent fishermen — is treated with utmost seriousness. This is why BSF and Coast Guard never take chances when Pakistani boats enter Indian waters.

🗣️ Local Impact in Gujarat

The Kutch district of Gujarat shares both land and maritime boundaries with Pakistan. For local fishing communities in areas like Jakhau, Mandvi, and Okha, the constant tension means:

Fear of being accidentally caught by the Pakistani Navy if they drift too far.

Loss of livelihood when relatives are arrested across the border.

Economic hardship since seized boats, which cost lakhs of rupees, are almost never returned.

Local activists often demand that both governments should install GPS systems in all fishing boats, create a buffer fishing zone, and work towards a joint mechanism for quick repatriation.

🌍 The Diplomatic Angle

Incidents like these also highlight the fragile nature of India-Pakistan diplomacy. While trade, culture, and dialogue face hurdles, issues like fishermen arrests could have been handled as a humanitarian concern. Instead, they often get caught in the web of politics.

India maintains that security comes first, given Pakistan’s track record of supporting cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan frequently raises the issue of its fishermen in bilateral talks, but without addressing India’s security concerns.

Thus, the release of arrested fishermen is often delayed until there is a “goodwill gesture” exchange between the two governments.

📝 Conclusion

The apprehension of 15 Pakistani fishermen in Gujarat is more than just a routine border incident. It reflects:

The ongoing maritime disputes between India and Pakistan.

The fragile livelihood of coastal communities.

The ever-present security risks India faces from the sea route.

As BSF continues its investigation, the larger question remains: Should fishermen be treated as criminals or victims of circumstance?

Until India and Pakistan find a long-term solution to the Sir Creek boundary dispute and improve maritime cooperation, such incidents are bound to repeat.

Yet another reminder of the delicate balance between compassion and national security that India must maintain along its western coastline.