India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Nuclear Installations on New Year’s Day

In a longstanding diplomatic tradition amid strained bilateral ties, India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and nuclear facilities through simultaneous diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.

The prisoner exchange, conducted under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, occurs twice annually on January 1 and July 1. India shared a list of 391 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen believed to be Pakistani nationals in its custody. In return, Pakistan provided details of 58 civilian prisoners and 199 fishermen believed to be Indian nationals in its jails.

India urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 167 Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences. New Delhi also called for immediate consular access to 35 believed-to-be-Indian detainees who have yet to receive it, while emphasizing the need for ensuring the safety and welfare of all Indian detainees.

Separately, the two nuclear-armed neighbors exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities under a 1988 agreement prohibiting attacks on such sites. This marked the 35th consecutive annual exchange, with the pact signed on December 31, 1988, and effective from January 27, 1991 requiring the sharing of details every January 1.

Despite ongoing tensions, including references in some reports to last year’s military hostilities, both sides adhered to these humanitarian and confidence-building measures. Many detainees are fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime boundaries in pursuit of better catches.