India, Pakistan Exchange Lists Of Prisoners; New Delhi Urges Early Release Of 159 Indians In Custody

New Delhi: India and Pakistan on Tuesday, July 1, exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, as part of a bilateral commitment under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.

The yearly exchange, carried out simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, marked another chapter in the slow-moving humanitarian dialogue between the two neighbours.

India Pushes for Early Release of 159 Prisoners and Fishermen

According to a press release issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has shared details of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen who are either confirmed or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan has provided names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen currently in its custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

India has also urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian nationals, fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have already completed their sentences. New Delhi has also demanded immediate consular access for 26 individuals in Pakistani custody who are believed to be Indian but have not yet been granted consular access.

The Indian government has further stressed the need for Pakistan to ensure the safety and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian detainees awaiting repatriation.

Repatriation Efforts and Nationality Verifications Continue

With its commitment to prioritising humanitarian matters, India has called on Pakistan to verify the nationality of 80 detainees in Indian custody, believed to be Pakistani. Their return remains pending due to the lack of official confirmation from Islamabad.

India also highlighted the outcomes of its sustained diplomatic efforts in this area. Since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. Of these, 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners were returned between 2023 and July 2025.

The MEA reiterated its focus on resolving consular and humanitarian issues on priority, even as broader diplomatic relations remain strained.

Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025, 03:55 PM IST