The Arabian Sea, a vital lifeline for countless Indian fishermen, has once again become a flashpoint for international tension. On November 7, 2025, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) apprehended the Indian fishing boat “Nar Narayan” along with eight crew members near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off the Gujarat coast. This alarming incident, unfolding near the Okha Coast or Porbandar, has reignited concerns about the safety of coastal communities and the long-standing maritime disputes in the region.
The ‘Nar Narayan’, reportedly departing from Veraval in Junagadh or Okha in Gujarat, was engaged in routine fishing activities when it was intercepted by PMSA personnel. Reports from the All-India Fishermen Association and affected families indicate a more aggressive encounter, with allegations of PMSA firing without warning, resulting in an injury to one of the fishermen, before the boat and its crew were forcibly taken towards Pakistani waters. Seven of the abducted fishermen hail from Gujarat, while one is from Maharashtra. Jayanti Rathod, the owner of the ‘Nar Narayan’, was also among those taken.
Allegations of Aggression and PMSA’s Justification
The PMSA’s justification for the seizure revolves around the claim that the Indian vessel had entered a “no-fishing zone” or illegally encroached upon Pakistani waters. This accusation is a familiar one in the complex maritime relations between the two nations. Fishermen from both sides often operate close to the IMBL, and factors like rough weather, drifting nets, or navigational errors can lead to inadvertent crossings. However, the reported aggression and injury raise serious questions about the protocols followed during such interceptions, especially given previous tragic incidents.
The Human Cost: Families’ Distress and Calls for Intervention
Families of the abducted fishermen are in deep distress, with their appeals for Indian government intervention echoing across the nation. They, along with the President of the All-India Fishermen Association, Velji Masani, have urged swift action for the safe release of their loved ones and to safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent on the sea. The cycle of detentions and lengthy diplomatic processes for repatriation often leaves families in a prolonged state of uncertainty and economic hardship.
A Troubling Pattern: Historical Context and India’s Response
This incident is not an isolated event but part of a troubling pattern. Historically, the PMSA has frequently targeted Indian fishing vessels. As recently as March 2025, approximately 125 Gujarati fishermen had been arrested by Pakistan’s sea authority on similar charges. More concerning are past instances of unprovoked aggression; a harrowing incident in November 2021 saw a fisherman killed and another seriously injured by PMSA firing, drawing strong condemnation from India. In response to the latest abduction and escalating tensions, the Indian Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies have been put on high alert, intensifying patrols along the IMBL to monitor movements and mitigate risks. There have also been instances of successful intervention, such as in November 2024, when the Indian Coast Guard rescued seven Indian fishermen from a PMSA ship near the maritime boundary, underscoring India’s proactive stance in protecting its citizens.
Towards a Sustainable Solution for Coastal Communities
The abduction of the ‘Nar Narayan’ serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indian fishermen navigating the politically charged waters near the IMBL. While diplomatic channels work towards the safe return of the eight fishermen, this incident underscores the urgent need for a more sustainable and humane solution to prevent such occurrences and ensure the security of coastal communities. It calls for renewed focus on international maritime law, bilateral understandings, and mechanisms for peaceful resolution to protect lives and livelihoods at sea.
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