The International Court of Justice’s judgment on Wednesday staying the death sentence for former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court on charges of ‘espionage and terrorism’ is a vindication of India’s stand and the country will continue its efforts to ensure his early return, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar said.

“Yesterday’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 the international conventions….. I can assure that the government will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure Shri Jadhav’s safety and wellbeing as well as his early return to India,” Jaishankar said in a statement to Parliament on Thursday.

Also read:ICJ orders Pakistan to review Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence

Quoting the ICJ, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press briefing later in the day that the judgment on Jadhav was final, binding and without appeal.

In its judgement, the ICJ affirmed Jadhav's right to consular access and asked Pakistan to review and reconsider his conviction and sentence. When asked what the MEA’s reaction would be to the new access, Kumar said, “There’s nothing new to be done. Pakistan has been asked (to give Jadhav consular access) and it has to deliver immediately,” he said.

Jadhav was arrested by Pakistan agencies in March 2016 on charges of espionage. One year later a Pakistani military court sentenced him to death.

Also read:   Kulbhushan Jadhav case timeline

India has maintained that Jadhav is innocent and has no connection with espionage. “Kulbhushan Jadhav is innocent of the charges levelled against him. No forced confession that too without legal representation and due process will change this fact. We, once again, call upon Pakistan to release and repatriate him forthwith,” Jaishankar said in his statement.

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