Islamabad and New Delhi completed the annual Pakistan India nuclear installations exchange on 1 January 2026. Diplomats conducted simultaneous information sharing in both capitals. This marks the 35th consecutive year under the 1988 agreement prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities. The process also included Pakistan India prisoner exchange, amid Pakistan’s concerns over the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project.
The Pakistan India nuclear installations exchange represents a key confidence-building measure in South Asia. Nuclear-armed rivals uphold this information sharing even amid tensions, reducing risks of targeting strategic sites. It coincides with allegations of Indus Waters Treaty violation linked to Indian hydropower developments.
Pakistan India Nuclear Installations Exchange Proceeds
Pakistan handed its list to an Indian High Commission representative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. India delivered its list to a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi.
The Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed on 31 December 1988 and effective from 27 January 1991, requires this annual information sharing on 1 January. Compliance has continued since 1992.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed the Pakistan India nuclear installations exchange. He stated the lists covered facilities under the pact.
This information sharing enhances transparency and prevents miscalculations in crises.
Simultaneous Pakistan India Prisoner Exchange
The countries shared prisoner lists under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement. Pakistan provided details of 257 Indian nationals, including 58 civilians and 199 fishermen. India shared its list of Pakistani prisoners.
This Pakistan India prisoner exchange occurs biannually, facilitating humanitarian resolutions. Many cases involve fishermen detained for entering territorial waters.
Andrabi noted the handover aligned with agreement provisions.
Pakistan Objects to Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project
Pakistan raised concerns over India’s approval of the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River. No advance notification occurred, leading to claims of Indus Waters Treaty violation.
The Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project extends an existing facility in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Andrabi highlighted the lack of required information sharing.
He described the move as disregarding international obligations.
Indus Waters Treaty Violation Allegations
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allocates western rivers, including the Chenab, primarily to Pakistan. India has limited rights for run-of-river hydropower, subject to design controls and information sharing.
Pakistan views the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project as breaching these terms due to absent notifications. Andrabi stressed India cannot unilaterally proceed on western rivers.
Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner sought details on the project’s scope. The treaty remains binding, despite earlier reports of suspension in 2025.
Background
These annual exchanges began in the 1990s. The nuclear protocol aims to protect facilities during conflict. Prisoner information sharing addresses cross-border incidents.
The Indus Waters Treaty has endured wars and tensions. Western rivers supply most of Pakistan’s irrigation needs.
Consistent Pakistan India nuclear installations exchange has sustained minimal trust over decades.
What’s Next
The next Pakistan India prisoner exchange occurs on 1 July 2026. Pakistan awaits responses on the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project through diplomatic or treaty channels.
Ongoing information sharing under the nuclear pact provides stability amid broader strains.
The Pakistan India nuclear installations exchange will persist annually, upholding this limited cooperation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 2nd, 2026
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