In accordance with a bilateral agreement, India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody. The exchange, which occurred through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, is a bi-annual practice mandated under the Agreement on Consular Access, signed in 2008. The agreement stipulates that such lists be exchanged on January 1st and July 1st of every year.

India shared a list containing 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in return, shared a list comprising 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian, held in Pakistani custody.

The Indian government has called for the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and missing Indian defense personnel from Pakistan's custody. Specifically, Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. India has also requested immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody who are believed to be Indian and have not yet been granted consular access. Furthermore, Pakistan has been urged to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen until their release and repatriation to India.

India has reiterated its commitment to addressing all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen, on a priority basis. In this regard, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process for 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian custody, whose repatriation is pending due to a lack of nationality confirmation from Pakistan.

Pakistan has also called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their respective sentences and whose national status is confirmed. A request for special consular access has been made for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those with physical and mental challenges, to expedite the confirmation of their national status. The government of India has been urged to provide consular access to all prisoners who are still awaiting it and to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody.

Since 2014, due to sustained efforts by the Indian government, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated since 2023.

Despite ongoing tensions, the exchange of prisoner lists highlights a continued commitment by both nations to adhere to the established bilateral agreement and address humanitarian concerns. TheConsular Access Agreement of 2008 serves as a framework for managing these sensitive issues and facilitating the eventual release and repatriation of prisoners and fishermen.