India on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) urged Pakistan to accelerate their release and home return in view of the completion of the jail sentence of 159 Indian fishermen and other prisoners.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that in addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate diplomatic assistance to the 26 prisoners and fishermen who are lodged in its jails, who are believed to be Indians.
India has made this request in terms of exchange of lists of prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails on behalf of the two countries, which is done on 1 January and 1 July in each calendar year under the 2008 agreement. India has shared the names of 382 such prisoners and 81 fishermen who are Pakistani or who are believed to be Pakistani.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, similarly Pakistan has shared the names of 193 such fishermen and 53 other prisoners who are Indians or who are believed to be Indian.
According to the statement, ‘The Government of India has urged the quick release of Indian fishermen, other prisoners and their boats and missing Indian defense personnel from Pakistan’s custody and sent to home.’
The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release of 159 Indian fishermen and other prisoners and to expedite sending home.” New Delhi specifically requested Islamabad to ensure the release of all Indian and Indian prisoners and fishermen and their safety and welfare till return home.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that India is committed to settle all human matters including matters related to prisoners and fishermen on priority basis in each other’s country. The statement said, “Pakistan has been urged to accelerate the nationality verification process of 80 Pakistani prisoners and fishermen in India’s custody, which are pending in the absence of confirmation of nationality from Pakistan.”