New Delhi: India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, in line with their 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.
The exchange took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad on January 1, 2026, through diplomatic channels, as part of the routine practice conducted every January 1 and July 1.
India provided details of 391 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan shared information on 58 civilian prisoners and 199 fishermen in its custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India has urged Pakistan to promptly release and repatriate civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from its custody.
Specifically, New Delhi called for the expedited repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have already completed their sentences.
India also requested immediate consular access to 35 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody believed to be Indian, who have not yet been granted such access.
The government emphasized the need for Pakistan to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen until their release and return to India.
Since 2014, sustained diplomatic efforts by India have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This figure includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners returned since 2023.
A similar list exchange occurred on July 1, 2025, under the same consular agreement.
