In a long-standing tradition dating back to 1992, India and Pakistan have once again exchanged lists of nuclear installations that are off-limits for attacks during hostilities. The 33rd consecutive exchange of these crucial lists occurred on January 1, 2024, despite the strained relations prevailing between the two neighboring nations.
Both countries also engaged in the exchange of lists containing civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in each other’s custody. India, in particular, urged Pakistan to hasten the release of 184 Indian fishermen who have completed their prison terms and requested immediate consular access to 12 prisoners believed to be Indian nationals.
The exchange of nuclear facilities lists took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, adhering to the provisions outlined in the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.
The Agreement, initially signed on December 31, 1988, and operationalized on January 27, 1991, mandates India and Pakistan to inform each other about the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact annually on the first of January.
Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, both nations exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. During this recent exchange, India shared details of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, suspected to be Pakistani nationals. Conversely, Pakistan shared lists of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen believed to be Indian nationals.
The Indian government appealed for the swift release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defense personnel, and detained fishermen, along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. They specifically emphasized the release of 184 Indian fishermen who have served their sentences and requested immediate consular access for 12 civilian prisoners detained in Pakistan, presumed to be Indian citizens.
In response, Pakistan urged the Indian government to release and repatriate all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified. They further requested consular access for missing defense personnel from the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as special consular access for 77 civilian prisoners.
Despite the lack of sustained talks between India and Pakistan since the cessation of the composite dialogue following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, both sides reiterated their commitment to addressing humanitarian matters. They pledged to expedite actions to confirm the nationality of detainees for prompt repatriation.
Since 2014, a total of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 67 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 478 fishermen and nine prisoners in 2023 alone.
While formal dialogues have been absent, intermittent back-channel contacts involving intelligence and security officials have led to the revival of the ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, following escalating tensions post the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The exchange of lists and the diplomatic dialogue around prisoners and fishermen reflect a cautious yet ongoing engagement between India and Pakistan, despite the significant challenges that have historically hindered sustained diplomatic relations.
Sources By Agencies