Despite non-existent diplomatic ties between the two countries, India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged a list of prisoners and nuclear installations with each other, media reports confirm.
India has shared a list of 337 Pakistani prisoners and 81 fishermen who are in custody. Similarly, Pakistan has confirmed that 47 Indian civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody.
"The Agreement, signed on 31 December 1988 and effective from 27 January 1991, stipulates that both nations inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on 1 January of every calendar year," stated the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release.
Both countries have called for the early release of their fishermen, who are often arrested after unintentionally crossing into international waters.
The Indian government also demanded immediate consular access to the remaining 12 Indian civilian prisoners in Pakistan, who are believed to be Indian nationals, as per the MEA.
“As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2639 Indian fishermen and 67 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 09 Indian civilian prisoners who were repatriated from Pakistan in 2023,” the statement added.