India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Nuclear Installations and Prisoners

New Delhi: India and Pakistan have conducted a reciprocal exchange of lists detailing each nation's nuclear installations and facilities, as stipulated by an agreement established in 1988. This agreement has proven resilient, enduring through significant conflicts such as the 1999 Kargil War and the military tensions observed in 2025.

In addition to the nuclear facility lists, the two countries also shared information regarding civilian prisoners, including fishermen incarcerated in each other's jails. This practice is part of a broader framework aimed at maintaining transparency and reducing tensions between the neighbouring nations.

The exchange of nuclear lists occurred simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, as confirmed by India's Ministry of External Affairs. The 1988 Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities mandates that both countries notify one another of their nuclear assets on the first day of each calendar year. This Thursday's exchange marked the 35th such occurrence, with the inaugural exchange having taken place on January 1, 1992.

Despite the recent escalation of violence, highlighted by the tragic killing of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, at Baisaran near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir by militants linked to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, both nations adhered to their commitments under the agreement.

India provided Pakistan with a list of 33 Pakistani fishermen and 391 civilian prisoners currently held in its facilities. In turn, Pakistan shared with India a list of 199 Indian fishermen and 58 other civilian prisoners believed to be Indian citizens. This exchange is in accordance with a 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, which requires both countries to share lists of their nationals detained in each other's prisons on January 1 and July 1 every year.

India has urged for the prompt release and repatriation of civilian prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats, as well as missing Indian defence personnel held by Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs has requested that Pakistan expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.

Furthermore, India has called for immediate consular access for 35 civilians and fishermen believed to be Indian citizens who are currently detained in Pakistan without such access. The Indian government has emphasised the need for Pakistan to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Indian nationals and those believed to be Indian in custody, pending their eventual release and return.

Since 2014, India has successfully repatriated 2,661 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners who have been returned since the beginning of 2023, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. These efforts reflect ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at mitigating tensions and fostering a more stable relationship between the two countries.