New Delhi: The issue of India Demands Return of Citizens has once again come into focus after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released updated figures. According to the MEA, Pakistani prisons currently hold 52 Indian citizens and 198 fishermen.
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody on July 1. This exchange takes place twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement.
Pakistan Shares List of Indian Detainees
As part of the latest exchange, Pakistan shared details of 52 civilian prisoners, who are either Indian nationals or believed to be Indian. It also listed 198 Indian fishermen currently detained in its jails.
Meanwhile, India provided information on 386 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 53 Pakistani fishermen held in Indian custody. Overall, Pakistan received data related to around 250 Indian detainees.
This exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic communication between the two countries despite strained relations.
India Demands Immediate Release of Fishermen
The MEA has strongly urged Pakistan to release Indian citizens and fishermen at the earliest. In particular, India has demanded the release of 188 fishermen and civilian prisoners who have already completed their sentences but remain in custody.
India has also requested the return of detained boats and other belongings of fishermen. Moreover, the government has emphasized the need for safe and humane treatment of all detainees.
Consular Access for Indian Prisoners
India has further requested consular access for 13 prisoners who are either Indian nationals or believed to be Indian citizens. Consular access allows embassy officials to meet detainees and verify their condition.
However, the MEA stated that this access has not yet been granted by Pakistan. Therefore, India continues to push for compliance under international agreements.
Long-Term Efforts Show Results
Despite challenges, the Indian government has highlighted positive outcomes from continued diplomatic efforts. Since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan.
This includes 500 fishermen and 20 civilian prisoners who returned after 2023. These figures reflect ongoing efforts to resolve humanitarian cases through dialogue.
India to Continue Diplomatic Talks
The government has confirmed that discussions with Pakistan will continue regarding the early release and safe return of detainees. The focus remains on humanitarian concerns, especially fishermen who often cross maritime boundaries unintentionally.
Officials believe that continued engagement under existing agreements will help bring more Indian citizens back home in the future.
Conclusion
The latest update on India Demands Return of Citizens highlights both ongoing concerns and continued diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan. While 52 citizens and 198 fishermen remain detained, India’s efforts under the 2008 consular agreement continue to secure gradual releases and humanitarian resolutions.
Key Points of the India Demands Return of Citizens:
- 52 Indian citizens and 198 fishermen are currently in Pakistani jails.
- India and Pakistan exchanged prisoner lists on July 1 under 2008 agreement.
- India demanded immediate release of 188 detained fishermen and prisoners.
- 13 Indian-linked prisoners sought consular access in Pakistan.
- Over 2,600 Indians have returned from Pakistan since 2014.
