India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen Amid Calls for Swift Repatriation

New Delhi, July 1, 2025 – India and Pakistan today exchanged the latest lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, continuing a long-standing practice under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008. The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.

According to official figures, India has shared details of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. Conversely, Pakistan has provided information on 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen believed to be Indian.

The Government of India reiterated its call for the early release and repatriation of these prisoners and fishermen, including the return of their boats. India has specifically urged Pakistan to expedite the repatriation of 159 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have already completed their sentences.

In addition, India has demanded immediate consular access to 26 individuals in Pakistani custody believed to be Indian nationals who have yet to receive such access. Authorities have also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners while they remain detained.

Reaffirming its commitment to addressing humanitarian issues, India called on Pakistan to complete nationality verification for 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners and fishermen currently in Indian custody. Their repatriation is pending due to the absence of nationality confirmation from Pakistani authorities.

Since 2014, sustained diplomatic efforts have led to the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 prisoners who have returned since 2023.

These regular exchanges remain a crucial channel of engagement between the two nations despite broader tensions, offering hope for humanitarian relief and resolution of individual cases caught in the cross-border dispute.