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India, Pakistan Swap Prisoner Lists, Urge Repatriation Amid Nuclear Pact Renewal

India and Pakistan have exchanged, through diplomatic channels, their annual lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody. India specifically called for the early release and repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences in Pakistan. Simultaneously, the two countries exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities, marking the 35th consecutive year of this practice under a 1991 bilateral agreement. The Indian government highlighted its sustained efforts, noting the repatriation of over 2,700 Indian nationals from Pakistan since 2014.

Key Points: India-Pakistan Exchange Prisoner, Nuclear Installation Lists

  • Annual prisoner list exchange
  • Call for repatriation of 167 Indians
  • Consular access for 35 detainees
  • 35th consecutive nuclear facilities list swap
3 min read

India and Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners, nuclear installations

India & Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and nuclear installations, urging early repatriation and upholding a 1991 security pact.

"India has called for early release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel. - MEA Statement"

New Delhi, Jan 1

India on Thursday called for early release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody.

As both countries exchanged - through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad - the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners, who have completed their sentence.

"India has shared lists with details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists with details of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or believed-to-be-Indian," read a statement issued by the MEA.

"The Government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has also been urged to expedite the release and repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to 35 civil prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far," it added.

Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and on July 1.

New Delhi asserted that it has asked the government of Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civil prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India.

"As a result of the sustained efforts by the Government of India, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date," the MEA statement mentioned.

The two countries also exchanged on Thursday, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the agreement on the prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installation and Facilities between India and Pakistan.

"The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first January of every calendar year. This is the 35th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 1 January 1992," another MEA statement detailed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The exchange of nuclear installation lists for 35 consecutive years is a testament that even amidst tensions, some protocols for stability are maintained. It's a sobering reminder of the responsibility both nations hold. Hoping for more such diplomatic channels to open for wider peace talks.
P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the fishermen and their families. They are not criminals, they are just trying to earn a living. Pakistan must expedite the release of those who have completed their sentences. The mention of missing defence personnel is also crucial – their families deserve closure. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Good step by MEA. The numbers show India has more Pakistani prisoners/fishermen in custody. We should also ensure their humane treatment as we demand the same for our citizens. This is about basic humanity, beyond politics. Hope the boats are returned too – they are essential for livelihood.
V
Vikram M
While the prisoner exchange is a humanitarian issue, the simultaneous exchange of nuclear lists is the real headline. It's a grim but necessary annual ritual that underscores the delicate balance in the region. Diplomacy must continue, no matter how difficult.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, I feel our media and government highlight the number of Indians repatriated since 2014, but we should also acknowledge the Pakistani prisoners released by India. A balanced narrative would build more trust. The focus should solely be on getting every citizen home, regardless of nationality.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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