Despite the tense relationship between the two nations, India and Pakistan have maintained a rare instance of continuity in their relationship in the form of exchanging lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1st of every year.
The latest exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This exchange has remained in place for more than three decades.
A Cold War-era pact still holds
The exchange of nuclear installations and facilities has remained in place since January 1991 and has its roots in a Cold War-Era treaty signed in December 1988.
The treaty, named the ‘Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities,’ mandates both sides to share information regarding nuclear installations that must not be targeted in the event of hostilities. This exchange has remained in place for 35 years now.
Prisoners’ lists also exchanged
Alongside the nuclear lists, India and Pakistan also exchanged details of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, in line with the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
According to the MEA:
India shared details of 391 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen believed to be Pakistani
Pakistan shared information on 58 civilian prisoners and 199 fishermen believed to be Indian
India called for the early release and repatriation of all prisoners and fishermen, particularly those who have completed their sentences. It also sought immediate consular access to 35 individuals believed to be Indian nationals.
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Diplomatic freeze, but limited engagement continues
This dialogue has taken place at a time when relations between the two countries continue to be under strain following military hostilities in May last year. The dialogue between the two countries has remained suspended for the most part since the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
Despite this, the dialogue on the annual exchange of nuclear lists has continued uninterrupted.
This dialogue has taken place following a brief meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Assembly Speaker of Pakistan Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka.
