Pakistan releases 57 Indian fishing boats

"As a goodwill gesture, the Government of Pakistan decided to release 57 Indian fishing boats, last May, that were in its custody," the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement.

In this regard, 8-member Indian delegation visited Karachi from Mar 9 to finalize modalities for the repatriation of boats with officials of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

"While the PMSA had kept the boats in good condition, it extended full support to the visiting team in making the boats seaworthy after minor repairs. Subsequently, the boats were towed to the maritime boundary today, where these were physically taken over by the Indian side," the statement stated.

"Indian fishermen and boats are often apprehended by PMSA authorities when they violate Pakistan territorial waters. Usually the boats are not in seaworthy condition and are not returned. However, following instructions from the Prime Minister to return these boats, special efforts were undertaken by the PMSA to ensure that the boats are returned to their owners," it said.     

This is seen as a significant development after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited India at that time to attend the oath-ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.