India on Thursday renewed its appeal for the early release and repatriation of Indian civil prisoners and fishermen held in Pakistan, following the routine exchange of custody lists between the two countries. The diplomatic exercise was carried out simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
India Pakistan prisoner exchange details
Officials at India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi provided information on 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani nationals and are currently in Indian custody. Pakistan handed over lists naming 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen believed to be Indian nationals.
During the exchange, India specifically urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who, the ministry said, have already completed their sentences. New Delhi also sought immediate consular access to 35 civil prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody who are believed to be Indian nationals but have not yet been granted such access.
The government stressed the need for Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all detainees believed to be Indian nationals while they remain in custody pending release. The Ministry of External Affairs pointed to sustained diplomatic engagement that has delivered results over the years: since 2014, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners since 2023.
Diplomatic and procedural context
The exchange is a long-standing confidence-building measure between the two neighbours. It is conducted under the 2008 consular agreement, which sets out procedures for identifying and providing consular access to detained foreign nationals. Such exchanges offer a practical channel for resolving long-standing humanitarian and consular cases and reducing friction between the governments.
Separately, India and Pakistan also exchanged the annual lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. That agreement, signed in December 1988 and in force since January 1991, requires both countries to notify each other of their nuclear installations on 1 January each year. Officials noted Thursday marked the 35th consecutive annual exchange since the first list was shared in January 1992.
While the prisoner and fishermen lists reflect enduring bilateral tensions, officials said the exchanges offer a dependable, rule-based mechanism to address specific humanitarian concerns. New Delhi’s public appeal for expedited releases and consular access underscores its focus on individual welfare and legal rights.
Both governments will now proceed through diplomatic channels to follow up on the cases highlighted in the exchange. For families of those detained, the lists and the resulting diplomatic contacts provide a vital route to secure information and, ultimately, return home.
Key Takeaways:
- India and Pakistan completed the annual exchange of lists of civil prisoners, fishermen and nuclear facilities under established agreements.
- India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen; Pakistan provided lists of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen.
- India pressed for immediate release of 167 inmates who have finished sentences and sought consular access for 35 detainees.
- This diplomatic step—part of the India Pakistan prisoner exchange—also included the 35th consecutive swap of nuclear installation lists.
