India and Pakistan exchanged crucial information regarding their nuclear installations and civilian prisoners as part of a long-standing bilateral agreement. This agreement, in place for over 30 years, aims to prevent attacks on each other’s atomic facilities and facilitate communication about individuals in custody.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the exchange, which involved both countries sharing details of their nuclear facilities through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. Additionally, the two nations exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody.

India provided the names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen, who are Pakistani nationals or believed to be from Pakistan. In return, Pakistan shared the names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen who are believed to be Indian citizens.

This exchange, despite ongoing tensions over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain communication between the two countries. The MEA has called for the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences, as well as Indian defense personnel still missing in Pakistan.

India and Pakistan first signed this agreement in December 1988, and it has ensured the exchange of nuclear facility details every year since 1992. Despite strained relations, this exchange remains a key aspect of maintaining peace and transparency between the two nations.