NEW DELHI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- In a gesture of goodwill, India Monday released 59 Pakistani fishermen even as New Delhi asked Islamabad to free over 400 Indian fishermen who continue to remainin Pakistan's jails.

    The Pakistani fishermen, sent back home from the Wagah land border, were to be released Saturday, but this could not be done due to "incomplete arrangements" on the other side.

    Pakistan will match India's gesture and free 71 Indian fishermen Tuesday at the Wagah border.

    "Arrangements are being made to receive these fishermen -- thisis expected to be done tomorrow -- and send them to Gujarat," Indo-Asian News Service quoted Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna as saying.

    New Delhi has also requested Islamabad to release other 242 Indian fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed.

    "We are also expediting the confirmation of nationality of the remaining 192 Indian fishermen in Pakistani custody," Sarna said.

    The issue of releasing other Pakistani and Indian civilian prisoners is likely to figure in the two-day talks between the home secretaries of Pakistan and India that begins Tuesday in Islamabad. Enditem