(Commonwealth_India) On January 1, 2025, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen who are in each other’s custody. Diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad carried out this exchange. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed that such exchanges happen twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, according to the provisions laid out in the 2008 bilateral agreement on consular access.
India took this opportunity to request the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and Indian defense personnel who are currently in Pakistan’s custody. The Indian government called on Pakistan to expedite the release of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. The MEA also made a plea for the repatriation of missing Indian defense personnel who are believed to be in Pakistan. India’s concern for the well-being and timely return of its citizens detained or imprisoned in Pakistan is evident in this urgent appeal for repatriation.
The exchange of lists revealed that India currently has 381 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, while Pakistan holds 49 Indian civilian prisoners and 217 Indian fishermen. These fishermen, many of whom are believed to have strayed into each other’s territorial waters, remain in custody under maritime laws. India specifically requested Pakistan expedite the release of those who have served their sentences and are awaiting repatriation.
Additionally, India urged Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to 18 individuals in Pakistan’s custody, who are either civilian prisoners or fishermen believed to be of Indian nationality but have not been granted consular assistance so far. India’s plea included a call for Pakistan to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of these prisoners until their eventual release and repatriation.
In its statement, the MEA reaffirmed India’s commitment to addressing humanitarian concerns, with particular emphasis on the issue of prisoners and fishermen held in the two countries. India called on Pakistan to complete the nationality verification process for 76 individuals in Indian custody, whose repatriation has been delayed due to the lack of confirmed nationality details from Pakistan. Without this verification, the process of returning these individuals to Pakistan cannot proceed.
Since 2014, India has successfully repatriated a total of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan as part of sustained diplomatic efforts to address these humanitarian issues. Only in 2023, India successfully repatriated 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners. This process shows how both governments work to reunite detained citizens with their families after misunderstandings or other issues.
Through this diplomatic channel, India remains focused on resolving humanitarian matters related to its citizens held in foreign custody, particularly in Pakistan. The regular exchanges of prisoner lists, along with the call for quicker repatriation and consular access, are part of a broader effort to improve bilateral relations and ease the suffering of individuals caught in the legal and political complications between the two neighboring nations.
