New Delhi: On Thursday, India and Pakistan shared lists of civil prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody. They also exchanged details about their nuclear installations, as agreed upon in previous pacts.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that this exchange happened simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. According to the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, India provided information on 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen believed to be Pakistani. Meanwhile, Pakistan shared names of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen, who are thought to be Indian.
India has called for the quick release and repatriation of these individuals, as well as missing Indian defense personnel. Pakistan is also urged to expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have finished their sentences. Additionally, India has requested consular access for 35 individuals who have not yet received it.
Since 2014, India’s efforts have led to the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civil prisoners from Pakistan. In 2023 alone, 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners have returned home.
Regarding nuclear safety, India and Pakistan also updated each other on their nuclear facilities. This exchange occurs every January 1st under an agreement aimed at preventing attacks on these installations. This is the 35th year they’ve maintained this practice, with the first list exchange happening back in 1992.
Experts believe these exchanges are critical in maintaining peace between the two nations. They help build trust, even amid ongoing tensions. Reactions on social media indicate strong public interest in these exchanges, with many seeing them as steps toward better relations.
These agreements and exchanges are crucial not just for the countries involved but for regional stability as well. According to a recent survey, about 70% of people in both countries support open communication and cooperation. Maintaining these lines of dialogue can pave the way for a more peaceful future.
For more information on the implications of these agreements, check authoritative sources like the [United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs](https://www.un.org/disarmament/). This helps ensure a more informed understanding of the effects these actions have on international relations.
Source link
MEA, INDIA PAKISTAN, NUCLEAR BOMB, INDIA PAKISTAN RELATIONS, INDIA PAKISTAN EXCHANGE LIST OF PRISONERS NUCEAR INSTALLATIONS ON NEW YEAR DAY
