NEW DELHI: Forty-nine Indian fishermen, who were detained three months ago in Iran, have been freed and returned to India today, External Affairs Ministry said.
"On 1 December 2015, 49 Indian fishermen, who are employees of M/s. Al ShamsiAn Ajman (UAE based company) were detained while they were unknowingly fishing between UAE and Iranian water in the Kish island....These 49 fishermen have been released by the Iranian authorities," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
They left Iran yesterday for Chennai via Dubai and have arrived in India this morning, he said.
Out of these 49 fishermen, 44 are from Tamil Nadu and five from Gujarat, he said, adding their air tickets were arranged from the Indian Community Welfare Fund and travel expenses were borne by the Embassy.