Mutual Fishermen Release Warms India-Bangladesh Ties

• India-Bangladesh relations, strained since Sheikh Hasina's 2024 ouster, are showing signs of easing.
• Both countries repatriated fishermen as a gesture of friendship: 47 Indian and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen were released.
• The exchange of fishermen, who inadvertently crossed maritime borders, is deemed crucial for humanitarian reasons and fishing community livelihoods.
• Relations deteriorated due to increased ISI activity and Pakistan-influenced policies in Bangladesh after Hasina's departure.
• A key point of contention remains Sheikh Hasina's extradition, sought by Bangladesh for a death sentence, while India offers her asylum.

Why It Matters: Fishermen release signals easing India-Bangladesh tensions, improving bilateral ties.