Expedite release, repatriation of 188 fishermen and prisoners: India to Pakistan, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• India urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014.
• India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen on July 1, 2026, through diplomatic channels.
• Pakistan provided a list of 52 civil prisoners and 198 fishermen believed to be Indian nationals in its custody.

Detailed Insights:

• The exchange of lists is a provision of the Agreement on Consular Access signed between India and Pakistan in 2008.
• These lists are exchanged bi-annually, specifically on January 1 and July 1 each year.
• India also shared a list of 386 civil prisoners and 53 fishermen believed to be Pakistani nationals in its custody.
• India has consistently pressed for the early release and repatriation of its citizens, including missing defence personnel.
• India specifically requested immediate consular access for 15 civil prisoners in Pakistan's custody, who are believed to be Indian.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The Indian government agency responsible for conducting foreign relations and diplomacy.
• Agreement on Consular Access: A 2008 bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan for providing consular access to prisoners and exchanging lists of nationals in custody.