India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen on January 1, 2026, under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, with India sharing details of 391 Pakistani nationals and 33 fishermen, while Pakistan listed 58 Indian civilians and 199 fishermen. The Ministry of External Affairs urged Islamabad to expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civilians who completed sentences, grant immediate consular access to 35 believed Indians, and ensure detainee welfare amid maritime border disputes. Since 2014, sustained diplomacy repatriated 2,661 fishermen and 71 civilians, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilians since 2023, highlighting humanitarian channels despite geopolitical strains. From India’s security lens, prompt action counters Pakistan’s delays, bolstering coastal vigilance and bilateral trust vital for regional stability.