Indian fishermen receive an emotional welcome after flying in from Myanmar

09 October 2020
Indian fishermen receive an emotional welcome after flying in from Myanmar

Eight stranded Indian fishermen have finally been able to return home to Chennai from Myanmar after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the following interview with Mizzima, Professor J Raganathan, Honorary Consul Chennai, discusses the case and his personal welcome as he and other officials met the men at Chennai Airport. One out of the original nine fishermen died when the vessel sank.

How did the Indian fishermen become stranded in Myanmar?

On July 23rd,2020, nine men set sail in a deep sea fishing vessel from Chennai, were supposed to return by August 7th 2020, went missing and were rescued by the Myanmar Navy and steps have been initiated for their return home from Myanmar.

The State Government of Tamil Nadu, through the External Affairs Ministry, Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi, Honorary Consulate of Myanmar in Chennai, requested the help to repatriate eight fishermen from Myanmar.

What have the Indian Authorities been doing to help?

The Indian mission in Myanmar was informed that they were doing well and provided with food and other facilities in Yangon. All eight fishermen were brought from Sittwe, Myanmar, to Yangon and stayed in a 4-star hotel and were provided with all support. The Consulate General of India, in Sittwe, helped us so much in repatriation.

Briefly, how did all this come about?

The State Government of Tamil Nadu, requested the Honorary Consulate of Myanmar in Chennai, and Myanmar Embassy in India with Ministry of External Affairs, started to repatriate them from Myanmar. Sept 14, the Myanmar Navy, said all fishermen were rescued.

What have the Myanmar authorities been doing to help?

His Excellency Dr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Myanmar Ambassador to India, gave the fullest support for repatriating them to India, and Mr. Aung Aung Myo Thein, DCM and Minister Counsellor and other Embassy Officials adequately supported repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, provided all support in this matter.

How has the COVID -19, pandemic affected the process of helping the fishermen return home?

All eight fishermen were in quarantine in Yangon, under the Indian Mission at Myanmar and they were tested at New Delhi and declared they were Covid free and allowed them to travel to Chennai on 8th October, 2020.

How are Indo-Myanmar relations at the moment?

India-Myanmar relations are deeply rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural and religious ties fostered by centuries. Myanmar is important to India from a geopolitical point of view as it geographically stands at the cross roads of India-Southeast Asia relations. India-Myanmar relations are historic, multi-faceted and marked by mutual trust and respect. Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy are a high priority by India towards Myanmar.

Blending business, culture and diplomacy, there is a strong connection between two countries namely, Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam, and Burma teak, these are the 5 “Bs” that cement India-Myanmar relations in a pinnacle.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want People-to-People partnership between our two countries, and that will broaden and deepen the foundation. Inspire more intellectual interaction between India and Myanmar through more seminars and conferences.

Myanmar Ambassador to India is taking all steps to collaborate with Nalanda University, NU, India, with Yangon University, the flagship University in Myanmar.

Education is the passport to the future and we must prepare for it.