India distances itself, says purported 'RAW operative' ex-navy personnel

Following the arrest of a man in Balochistan province whom the Pakistani agencies are claiming to be a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) operative, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that Indian Government has no link with the individual, adding that New Delhi has no interest in interfering in internal matters of any country.

MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the matter was raised today by Pakistan's Foreign Secretary with the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad.

"The said individual has no link with Government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy. We have sought consular access to him. India has no interest in interfering in internal matters of any country and firmly believes that a stable and peaceful Pakistan is in the interest of all in the region," he said.

Pakistan security forces earlier arrested a man during a raid in Balochistan province who, according to them, is 'a serving officer in the Indian Navy and deputed to RAW.

A security official told Dawn that the arrested individual had been shifted to Islamabad for interrogation, as he was suspected of involvement in various acts of terrorism and other dissident activities in Balochistan.

Confirming the arrest, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said, "the arrest has proved Indian involvement in Balochistan", Bugti said.

He added that the man was 'sponsoring terrorist and subversive activities' in Balochistan.

Last year, Bugti claimed that RAW and NDS are behind the funding and training of Baloch Republican Army militants.