India, Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen under 2008 consular agreement

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged, through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody. The exchange was carried out under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008, which mandates such updates every year on January 1 and July 1.

According to the ministry of external affairs, India shared the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan provided a list of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen it holds who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

India has called for the early release and repatriation of its citizens, particularly 159 individuals, both fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have already completed their sentences. New Delhi also urged Islamabad to provide immediate consular access to 26 prisoners believed to be Indian who have yet to receive it.

India further requested Pakistan to ensure the safety and welfare of all Indian nationals in custody until their release and return. On its part, India has asked Pakistan to speed up the nationality verification process for 80 individuals believed to be Pakistani, whose repatriation is on hold pending confirmation.

Since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners returned between 2023 and 2025 alone.

India reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all humanitarian matters, including those related to prisoners and fishermen, on a priority basis.