Indian Coast Guard intercepts vessel with nine crew inside India’s maritime limits
January 17, 2026: An FIR has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act after the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat, Al-Madina, with nine crew members off the Gujarat coast. The vessel was found operating within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and inside the International Maritime Boundary Line during a routine patrol. The boat was later handed over to the Porbandar police for legal proceedings, officials confirmed.
According to authorities, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan when challenged by the Coast Guard but was successfully intercepted. Coast Guard personnel boarded the vessel and detained the crew for questioning, following which further investigation was initiated. Police officials said the case is being processed as per existing legal provisions governing illegal maritime entry.
This marks the second such interception in recent weeks, after another Pakistani fishing boat was apprehended in December for entering Indian waters near Jakhau. The latest incident comes amid heightened focus on maritime security, even as India continues to strengthen international cooperation at sea, including recent discussions with Japan on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and regional security coordination.