India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Nuclear Facilities Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Protocols

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civil prisoners, fishermen, and nuclear installations on January 1, 2026, in line with established bilateral agreements aimed at fostering transparency and humanitarian engagement between the two countries. 

The twin exchanges, conducted simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, come amid a largely adversarial bilateral relationship shaped by decades of historical and geopolitical tensions since the 1947 partition.

Representational Image: Attari–Wagah Retreat Ceremony. Via: Krishna Rao K

As part of the Agreement on Consular Access signed on May 21, 2008, India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen believed to be Pakistani in its custody, while Pakistan handed over a list containing details of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen believed to be Indian. 

The agreement mandates such exchanges on January 1 and July 1 every year and ensures reciprocal consular access, early repatriation upon completion of sentence, and humane treatment of detained nationals.

New Delhi has reiterated its call for the early release and repatriation of 167 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain in Pakistan’s custody. 

India also sought immediate consular access to 35 detainees believed to be Indian nationals who have yet to be contacted by consular officials. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for the safety and welfare of all Indian nationals in Pakistani custody and highlighted ongoing efforts for their return. 

Since 2014, India has successfully repatriated 2,661 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilians since 2023.

In a separate but concurrent diplomatic exercise, India and Pakistan also exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities as part of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, which entered into force on January 27, 1991. 

The annual January 1 exchange has continued uninterrupted since 1992. The agreement prohibits either party from launching, encouraging, or participating in any attack on the other’s nuclear facilities and mandates the annual sharing of geographic coordinates of such sites.

Despite enduring political friction, these procedural engagements, facilitated through structured diplomatic protocols, remain vital confidence-building measures. 

They reflect limited but persistent areas of cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, even as broader bilateral ties remain strained by territorial disputes, cross-border security concerns, and a lack of substantive political dialogue.