New Delhi: Describing the detention of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan as "illegal" and under "fabricated" charges, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday urged Islamabad to release and repatriate him immediately.
Making a statement on the issue in Rajya Sabha, he said the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is not only a vindication for Jadhav but also for all those who believe in the rule of law.
S Jaishankar's statement in Rajya Sabha:
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) by a vote of 15-1 upheld India's claim that Pakistan is in violation of the Vienna Convention on several courts.
- ICJ has directed that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further delay of his rights & to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Vienna Convention.
- We once again call upon Pakistan to release and repatriate Kulbhushan Jadhav.
- In 2017, govt made a commitment on the floor of the House to undertake all steps necessary to protect interest&welfare of Shri Jadhav.Govt has made untiring efforts in seeking his release including through legal means in ICJ
- Kulbhushan Jadhav's family has shown exemplary courage in difficult circumstances. I can assure the govt will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure his safety and well being, as well as his early return to India.
In a major victory for India, the International Court of Justice on Wednesday ruled that Pakistan must review the death sentence for Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism".
Jadhav, 49, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017.
