Twenty-four Indian fishermen from Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu have been released from detention in the Maldives and returned home.
The fishermen were arrested by the Maldives Coast Guard on 13 October while fishing illegally in Maldivian waters after operating in the Arabian Sea. They were travelling in three boats.
Indian media reported that the men were freed and flown back to Trivandrum. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's office arranged for their handover at the airport and onward travel to their villages.
Extensive diplomatic efforts involving India's External Affairs Ministry and the Indian High Commission in Male' secured their release. Vijay had previously sought central government assistance.
In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, he asked for swift diplomatic engagement to free the fishermen and their boats safely.
Reports indicate the Maldives Fisheries Ministry imposed a fine of about 4.80 crore Indian rupees (roughly MVR 7.9 million) in the case.
The incident highlights recurring issues of cross-border fishing between the two countries.
