2710 Indian Prisoners Repatriated from Pakistan Since 2014

New Delhi. India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels on Wednesday. India provided Pakistan with a list of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be so. Similarly, Pakistan shared a list of 49 Indian civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen, who are either Indian nationals or presumed to be so.

Adherence to the Consular Access Agreement
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this exchange of lists is carried out under the provisions of the bilateral Consular Access Agreement of 2008, which mandates such exchanges on January 1 and July 1 each year. India urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.

Demand for Immediate Consular Access
India also demanded that Pakistan immediately provide consular access to 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen who are believed to be Indian nationals but have not yet been granted access. Additionally, India requested that Pakistan ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian prisoners until their release or repatriation.

Speedy Verification of Nationality
India called on Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process for 76 prisoners in Indian custody who may be Pakistani nationals but whose repatriation remains pending due to a lack of confirmation from Pakistan.

2710 Indians Returned Since 2014
As per the Ministry of External Affairs, a total of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners repatriated in 2023 alone.

Report: Shashwat Tiwari