India rejects 'tutored' spy confession

Indian MEA rejects allegations that Kulbhushan Yadav was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at their behest

India on Wednesday claimed the video of an alleged spy confessing to RAW’s involvement in Pakistan was 'tutored' by the country in an attempt to deflect attention from its homegrown terror.

Pakistan military and government on Tuesday released a six-minute video of the Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Yadav, confessing to RAW’s involvement in the country, especially Balochistan.

"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," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.



"The Indian government categorically rejects allegations that this individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest," added the statement.

In a joint press conference with Information Minister Pervez Rashid, military spokesperson Gen Asim Bajwa said Yadav is a serving Indian naval officer whose primary mission was to foment terrorism in Karachi and Balochistan.

DG ISPR Asim Bajwa along with Information Minister Pervez Minister speaks with media representatives as he gives details of arrested man Kulbhushan Yadav, suspected of being an Indian spy, during a press conference in Islamabad on March 29, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

The MEA spokesperson said despite requests from the Indian government, Pakistan has refused to give consular access to the Indian national.



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

Claiming Yadav was operating a legitimate business from Iran and given his presence in Pakistan, India expressed concern about his “possible 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," the spokesperson added.