India, on Monday, accepted that the convicted RAW spy Kulbhushan Jadhav admitted working for India’s premier spy agency and supported Pakistan’s stance to the senior Indian diplomat during consular access. However, New Delhi claimed that the convicted spy appeared under “extreme pressure.”
The Indian Charge D’Affaires at the Indian High Commission, Gaurav Ahluwalia, had a two hour-long meeting with convicted spy Jadhav in Islamabad on Monday, Shortly after the meeting, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, claiming that Jadhav “appeared to be under extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims.”
Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale says, India will be issuing a statement shortly on the consular access given by Pakistan for Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav. pic.twitter.com/kFqgEh9Z2e
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 2, 2019
The statement was issued hours after Pakistan formally allowed consular access to convicted spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, in line with the judgment of the International Court of Justice, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the laws of Pakistan. The venue of Jadhav’s meeting with Indian diplomat Gaurav Ahluwalia was not disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
Jadhav Supports Pakistan’s Stance
A statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, “While we await a comprehensive report, it was clear that Shri Jadhav appeared to be under extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims.”
It added, “We will decide a further course of action after receiving a detailed report from our Charge D’Affaires and determining the extent of conformity to the ICJ directives.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also noted that External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also called Jadhav’s mother to brief her on the developments of the consular meeting.
Khawar Qureshi noted that after consular access has been granted, Jadhav can now invoke his right to an appeal under Article 199, which is what New Delhi should have done after his convicted by the military court.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan countered these claims and maintained that there were no restrictions imposed on communication during the meeting, as per the request made by New Delhi.
The statement issued by MoFA noted, “Pursuant to the decision of the International Court of Justice, Pakistan provided consular access on 02 September 2019 to India for Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian spy, serving Indian Naval officer and RAW operative. Mr. Gaurav Ahluwalia, Charge d’ Affairs of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad availed consular Access which was provided in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, ICJ verdict and the laws of Pakistan.”
MoFA added, “Consular access was provided at 1200 hours and lasted for two (02) hours, in the presence of officials of the Government of Pakistan. On Indian request, there was no restriction on the language of communication.”
Consular access for Indian spy Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Indian naval officer and RAW operative, is being provided on Monday 2 September 2019, in line with Vienna Convention on Consular relations, ICJ judgement & the laws of Pakistan.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 1, 2019
“In order to ensure transparency and in line with standard operating procedures, and as conveyed to the Indian side in advance, the access was recorded.”
The statement concluded, “As a responsible member of the international community and in line with our international commitments, Pakistan has provided un-impeded, uninterrupted consular access to India to Commander Jadhav.”
Jadhav’s Sentence won’t Change
Barrister Khawar Qureshi, Pakistan’s counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), said on Monday, that granting consular access to the convicted RAW spy will not have any impact on his conviction on the charges of terrorism, espionage and sabotage.
Addressing the media at the Punjab Bar Council, Khawar Qureshi said, “The ICJ has rejected all requests made by India to annul Jadhav’s conviction, and demand his acquittal, release and return.”
Read more: Indian Diplomat Gaurav Ahluwalia meets RAW Spy Kulbhushan Jadhav
Barrister Qureshi explained that New Delhi has rejected the review of Jadhav’s conviction under the jurisdiction of the high court, in line with Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan, deeming it as unacceptable. However, the ICJ verdict had stated that a review by Pakistan’s high court is acceptable.
Khawar Qureshi noted that after consular access has been granted, Jadhav can now invoke his right to an appeal under Article 199, which is what New Delhi should have done after his convicted by the military court.
Statement from Indian Govt on the first Consular Access provided for Kulbhushan Jadhav. 'Jadhav appeared to be under extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims. We will decide a further course of action after receiving a detailed report.' pic.twitter.com/jUSEIaLe0p
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 2, 2019
Responding to a question about the likelihood of Islamabad approaching the ICJ to address India’s oppressive measures and human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, Khawar Qureshi stated that he cannot comment on the matter as it remains under consideration of the Imran Khan-led government.
Kulbhushan Jadhav, traveling under the alias Hussein Mubarak Patel, was arrested on March 2016 in Balochistan, and his voluntary confession cemented Pakistan’s long-standing allegations of India backing militants and separatist rebels. Pakistan’s military court convicted Jadhav of espionage and sabotage, and he was sentenced to death.