Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India urges UN court to stop Pakistan executing 'spy'

The UN's top court will hold an emergency hearing on Monday as India seeks to stop Pakistan from executing an Indian national accused of spying.

New Delhi has already protested to Islamabad over the death sentence imposed on Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav by a Pakistani military court, after he was found guilty in a closed hearing last month.


Jadhav was arrested in the southwestern province of Balochistan last year and Pakistani officials claim he has confessed to spying for Indian intelligence services.

But India has denied he was a spy, and this week lodged a protest with the International Court of Justice in The Hague accusing Pakistan of "egregious violations of the Vienna convention".

India was not informed of Jadhav's detention "until long after his arrest" and Pakistan "failed to inform" him of his rights, according to New Delhi.

India is seeking the "immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused," the court said in a statement.

"India submits that it has information that Mr. Jadhav was 'kidnapped from Iran, where he was carrying on business after retiring from the Indian Navy'," it added.

The court "will hold public hearings on Monday 15 May ... in the proceedings instituted by the Republic of India on 8 May 2017 against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan", court officials said in a statement late Wednesday.

The hearing will be "devoted to the request for the indication of provisional measures" demanded by India which include ordering Islamabad "to take all measures necessary to ensure that (Jadhav) is not executed" until the court has had a chance to consider the case in full.

Nuclear arch-rivals India and Pakistan routinely accuse one another of sending spies into their countries, and it is not uncommon for either nation to expel diplomats accused of espionage, particularly at times of high tension.

However, death sentences have rarely been issued in recent years.

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less