India Pakistan Prisoners List Exchange

Background of the Exchange

India Pakistan Prisoners List Exchange: India and Pakistan carried out a scheduled exchange of lists of civil prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody. This exercise was conducted through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. Despite persistent political tensions, such exchanges reflect continuity in humanitarian engagement.

The process follows established diplomatic norms and focuses on safeguarding the rights of detained nationals. It also serves as a confidence-building mechanism in otherwise strained bilateral relations.

Legal Framework Governing the Process

The exchange took place under the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, signed by both countries. This agreement mandates the sharing of prisoner lists twice every year, on January 1 and July 1. It provides the legal basis for consular communication and verification of nationality.

Static GK fact: India and Pakistan signed the Consular Access Agreement in May 2008, institutionalising humanitarian cooperation even during diplomatic downturns.

The agreement applies equally to civil prisoners, fishermen, and undertrial detainees, ensuring transparency in detention.

Details of Prisoners and Fishermen

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in return, provided information on 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

The category “believed to be” reflects cases where nationality confirmation is pending. Such delays often prolong detention, making consular access crucial.

India’s Diplomatic and Humanitarian Demands

India urged Pakistan to ensure early release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen, along with their seized boats. New Delhi specifically sought the release of 167 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have already completed their sentences.

India also requested immediate consular access to 35 prisoners believed to be Indian but not yet granted such access. Consular meetings allow verification of nationality, legal assistance, and welfare checks.

Static GK Tip: Consular access is governed by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, which both countries are parties to.

Humanitarian Dimension of Fishermen Detention

Many fishermen are detained due to accidental crossing of maritime boundaries, especially in the Arabian Sea. Poor navigation tools and unclear sea borders contribute to such incidents.

India emphasized that prolonged detention of fishermen should be treated as a humanitarian concern rather than a criminal issue. Regular exchanges reduce risks of neglect and ensure humane treatment.

Outcomes of Sustained Diplomatic Engagement

India highlighted that consistent diplomatic efforts since 2014 have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners from Pakistan. Notably, 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners were repatriated since 2023.

These figures indicate that structured dialogue and consular mechanisms can deliver gradual but tangible outcomes.

Static GK fact: Repatriation usually occurs via the Wagah–Attari border, the only road crossing between India and Pakistan.

Significance in Bilateral Relations

While not resolving larger political disputes, prisoner list exchanges help maintain institutional communication channels. They demonstrate commitment to humanitarian obligations and international norms.

Such measures contribute to stability at the operational level, even when strategic relations remain tense.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India Pakistan Prisoners List Exchange: