New Delhi - India has responded positively to the offer by Pakistan to arrange meeting of spy-terrorist Kulbhushan Jadhav with his wife, reported Indian media.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said there was a long-standing request from the mother of Jadhav to visit Pakistan and meet her son. Although this request was pending, India has responded positively to the offer by Pakistan to arrange meeting of Jadhav with his wife.

Kumar added that India has conveyed to Pakistan some demands that need to be agreed to. Among them is that the wife of Jadhav would like to travel with her mother-in-law for the meeting. The government has also sought sovereign guarantee from Government of Pakistan to ensure safety and security of both. Also, during their stay in Pakistan, they should not be questioned or harassed. And finally, MEA said, “We have further asked that a diplomat from our High Commission in Pakistan, shall be allowed to accompany them at all times, including during the meeting.”

Earlier on Wednesday after Pakistan allowed Jadhav’s wife to meet him, the Indian government also gave the green signal for her visit. Government sources said that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval made several attempts by means of back-channel talks for the visit. However, the date of the visit is yet to be decided.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April on charges of espionage and terrorism. ICJ, in May, had stayed his execution on India’s appeal. Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav on the ground that it was not applicable in cases related to spies.

The ICJ has asked Pakistan to submit its response or memorial by December 13, before the court could start further proceedings in the case.