India dismisses Pakistan's video of 'spy confession'

India on Tuesday dismissed, as baseless, remarks made by an alleged Indian spy in a video released by Pakistan in which he "confessed" New Delhi's alleged involvement in terrorist activities in Balochistan.

"We have seen a video released by Pakistani authorities of a former Indian naval officer, doing business in Iran, who is in Pakistani custody under unexplained circumstances," the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

"The video has this individual making statements which have no basis in fact. That the individual claims to make the statements of his own free will not only challenges credulity but clearly indicates tutoring," it said.

 

Kulbushan Jadhav says in the video that he had been directing various activities in Karachi and Balochistan "at the behest of RAW", the Indian intelligence agency, and that he was still with the Indian Navy.

The video was released at a press conference attended by Pakistan Army spokesman, Lt.Gen. Asim Bajwa and Information Minister Pervez Rashid.

The external affairs ministry statement said that it was also relevant to note that despite its request, consular access has not been given to an Indian national under detention in a foreign country, as was the accepted international practice.

"We are naturally concerned about his well-being in these circumstances," it said.

"The government categorically rejects allegations that this individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest. Our enquiries reveal that he apparently was being harassed while operating a legitimate business from Iran."

The statement said that while India probed this aspect further, Yadav's presence now in Pakistan raised questions, including the possibility of his abduction from Iran.

"This would become clear only if we are given consular access to him and we urge the government of Pakistan to respond immediately to our request," it said.