On January 1, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations as part of a bilateral agreement that forbids either country from attacking the other’s nuclear facilities. This annual exchange has been carried out consistently for more than three decades at the start of every new year.
The exchange took place despite relations between the two neighbours remaining severely strained following a four-day military confrontation in May last year. The escalation followed the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the exchange was conducted under the terms of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, and was carried out simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.
In an official statement, the MEA said that India and Pakistan exchanged the lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the agreement at the same time in both capitals. The agreement was signed on December 31, 1988, and came into effect on January 27, 1991.
Under the pact, both countries are required to share information about their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year. The MEA noted that this year’s exchange marked the 35th consecutive instance of such an exchange, with the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.
Exchange of Prisoner
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody at the same time in New Delhi and Islamabad through diplomatic channels. This exchange was carried out under the 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has provided Pakistan with details of 391 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen currently held in Indian custody who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan shared information about 58 civilian prisoners and 199 fishermen in its custody who are Indian nationals or are believed to be Indian.
The Indian government has urged Pakistan to ensure the early release and return of all civilian prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats, as well as any missing Indian defence personnel believed to be held in Pakistan. The MEA further stated that Pakistan has been specifically asked to speed up the release and repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have already completed their prison sentences.
