India, Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Installations List Under 1988 Pact Despite Frozen Ties
A rare diplomatic exchange continues between New Delhi and Islamabad as both sides adhere to long-standing nuclear risk reduction commitments despite strained relations. Image courtesy: AI generated picture via DALL-E
India and Pakistan on Thursday(January 1, 2026, exchanged lists of their nuclear installations, continuing a confidence-building practice in place for over three decades under a bilateral agreement that prohibits attacks on each other’s atomic facilities.
The annual exchange took place despite relations remaining frozen following four days of military hostilities in May last year.
Why was the nuclear site list exchanged?
The exchange was carried out under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed on December 31, 1988, and operational since January 27, 1991.
The pact obligates both countries to inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the agreement on the first day of every calendar year, underscoring a rare area of sustained engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
What did Pakistan, India say about the exchange?
Confirming the development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the list of nuclear installations and facilities was handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
India, in turn, shared its list with Pakistani officials in New Delhi through diplomatic channels.
What other diplomatic mutual actions did Pakistan, India take?
Alongside the nuclear exchange, the two sides also shared lists of prisoners under the Consular Access Agreement signed on May 21, 2008.
According to Andrabi, Pakistan handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners, including 199 fishermen and 58 other civilians, currently in its custody.
India similarly provided details of Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails.
Under the consular agreement, both countries are required to exchange prisoner lists twice a year, in January and July.
While broader diplomatic engagement remains stalled amid lingering tensions, the continued adherence to these long-standing agreements highlights the importance both sides place on nuclear risk reduction and humanitarian obligations, even during periods of heightened political and military strain.
