In a continuing diplomatic tradition, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations and civilian prisoners on New Year’s Day, as confirmed by official statements from both nations on Thursday.

The exchange of nuclear facility locations was conducted under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, which has been in effect since January 1991.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, this marks the 35th consecutive year that the two nuclear-armed neighbors have shared such information since the practice began on January 1, 1992.

Simultaneously, the two countries exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in each other’s custody, in accordance with the 2008 Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.

India provided details regarding 391 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani.

During the exchange, New Delhi urged Islamabad to expedite the release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and missing defense personnel, while also requesting immediate consular access for 35 individuals who have not yet been granted such rights.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, confirmed during a news conference that Islamabad handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners, including 199 fishermen and 58 civilians.

Both governments reiterated the importance of these annual exchanges in maintaining transparency and addressing humanitarian concerns regarding incarcerated citizens.

Source: Anadolu Agency