NEW DELHI
India has called upon Pakistan to release and repatriate its national Kulbhushan Jadhav following International Court of Justice’s judgment.
Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the ICJ’s judgment is not only a vindication for India and Jadhav but for all those who believe in the rule of law and the sanctity of international treaties.
He asserted that Jadhav is innocent of the charges made against him and his forced confession without legal representation and due process will not change this reality.
The Minister said the ICJ pronounced that Pakistan had breached relevant obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relation. He said the Court also declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide India consular access to him.
The Minister said the government will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure his safety and well being as well as his early return to India.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s statement pertaining to Kulbhushan Jadhav held in illegal confinement in Pakistan was made in Lok Sabha also.
The External Affairs minister read out his written reply in both the Houses today.