India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged the lists of civil prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, as part of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008. The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

As per the statement, “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.”

The exchange of such lists is a regular process under the 2008 agreement and is carried out twice every year, on January 1 and July 1. Earlier, on July 1 last year, the two countries had also exchanged similar lists through diplomatic channels in their respective capitals.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Government of India has strongly urged Pakistan to ensure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals currently in Pakistani custody. According to the official statement, “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.”

The MEA further highlighted that there are several Indian nationals who have already completed their jail terms but are still awaiting their return to India. In this regard, the statement said, “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 to this, India has raised concerns about the lack of consular access for certain individuals held in Pakistan. The MEA noted that consular access is a key provision of the 2008 agreement and is essential for ensuring the rights and welfare of detained nationals. The statement mentioned, “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.”

The Indian government has also stressed the need for humane treatment of prisoners and fishermen while they remain in custody. Emphasising this point, the MEA said, “Government of India 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.”

The statement also highlighted the results of India’s continued diplomatic efforts over the years. According to official data shared by the MEA, “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.”

It further added that significant progress has been made in recent years as well. The statement said, “This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date.”

The exchange of lists and repeated calls for early release underline the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries on humanitarian issues related to prisoners and fishermen. Under the Agreement on Consular Access 2008, both sides are expected to share details of detainees and facilitate consular access and repatriation where applicable.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad and will continue to pursue the matter with Pakistan through diplomatic channels.