India welcomes ICJ verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav

India has hailed the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case relating to Indian national Kulbushan Jadhav. The Hague-based ICJ yesterday stayed the death sentence awarded to Kulbushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court and directed Islamabad to provide consular access to him. 

In a statement, the Ministry's Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the court by a vote of 15-1 has upheld New Delhi's claim that Pakistan is in egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relation, 1963 on several counts. 

He said, India appreciates the direction by ICJ that Islamabad should review and reconsider conviction and sentence given to Mr Jadhav by Pakistani military court. 

India's advocate in the Jadhav case at ICJ, Harish Salve expressed gratitude to the court on behalf of India for the manner in which it intervened in the case. 

Talking to media persons in London last night, Mr Salve said, ICJ ruling has protected Kulbhushan Jadhav from being executed. Mr Salve said, the court rejected Pakistan's allegation against India and forced Islamabad to ensure a fair trial. 

He said New Delhi will go back to ICJ if Pakistan defies the order. 

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have hailed the ICJ ruling in the case.

In a tweet, Mr. Naidu said, he appreciates the government for its relentless efforts to secure justice for Kulbhushan Jadhav and expressed hope that this



verdict would serve as a source of solace to the family members. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said truth and justice have prevailed. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, he is sure Kulbhushan Jadhav will get justice. Mr Modi said, his government will always work for the safety and welfare of every Indian.

Leaders across the political spectrum also welcomed the judgement, calling it a victory of truth and justice.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he spoke to Jadhav's family and applauded their courage. The Minister will make a statement in both the Houses of Parliament today regarding ICJ judgement in the case.

Home Minister Amit Shah termed it a victory of truth which protects human dignity. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also hailed the judgement and described it as a big victory for India.

Welcoming the verdict, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, it is the result of continuous efforts of the Narendra Modi government and the manner in which India's lead counsel Harish Salve represented the case in the ICJ. 

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj thanked Mr Salve for presenting India's case before ICJ effectively and successfully.

The Congress has also welcomed the ICJ ruling, calling it a big win for India. In a tweet, party leader Rahul Gandhi expressed hope that  Kulbushan Jadhav will return to India soon.