In an attempt to ensure safety of Indian fishermen, the Government is working on a proposal to develop a National Automatic Identification System (AIS) network for effective tracking of small fishing vessels fitted with customised AIS transponders. This would give early warning to fishermen if they crossed the international maritime boundary.
Stating this in the lok Sabha on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the efforts were on to seek early release of 33 Indian fishermen. The Minister was speaking on calling attention motion on harassment of Indian fishermen by the lankan Navy when AIADMK sought the Government to bring a Bill to take back Katchatheevu island from Sri lanka. Swaraj said it was also being “actively explored” to ensure that these transponders also act as early warning system to warn the fishermen if they crossed the international maritime boundary.