The government of India on Thursday said it attaches the "highest importance" to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen.
To this end, it has worked assiduously to secure the release of Indian fishermen from Bangladesh custody, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
Bangladesh, India to exchange detained fishermen Sunday: Foreign Adviser
A total of 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladesh authorities to the Bangladesh Coast Guard for handing them over to the Indian Coast Guard on January 5.
On the same day, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen will also be released and a repatriation operation will be concluded at sea between the respective Coast Guard authorities.
The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides, MEA said in a media release.
Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser
In recent months, several Indian fishermen have been arrested by Bangladesh authorities when they accidentally crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Bangladesh waters.
Several Bangladesh fishermen have also been apprehended by Indian authorities in similar circumstances.