- BSF soldier Purnam Kumar returned in exchange for a Punjab Rangers soldier
LAHORE: Pakistan and India on Wednesday repatriated each other’s captured soldiers as goodwill following a ceasefire.
According to security officials, Pakistan handed over a Border Security Force (BSF) constable to Indian authorities, while the Indian side reciprocated by returning a Pakistan Rangers official.
The captured soldiers exchange comes at a time when diplomatic relations between Pakistan and India remain strained. The two nations have kept their borders sealed following limited skirmishes, and engagements between the two sides have been minimal.
The BSF constable, Purnam Kumar, was apprehended by Pakistani forces on April 23, 2025, after he inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory through the Ganda Singh Wala/Ferozepur sector.
On the Indian side of the border, Muhammadullah, a personnel of Punjab Rangers, had been taken into custody by BSF officials under similar circumstances.
The exchange followed several flag meetings between the border forces of the two countries, culminating in the successful repatriation of both individuals earlier on Wednesday.
In a statement released by the Indian Border Security Force, it was confirmed that Purnam Kumar was returned safely by the Pakistan Rangers. Indian officials appreciated the gesture, describing it as a positive signal amid ongoing tensions.
