India cancels maritime talks with Pakistan amid row over Jadhav’s death sentence

Coast guard sources said the ministry of defence has not given clearance for the delegation’s visit.

India called off maritime security dialogue with Pakistan, scheduled for early next week, amid tensions over death sentence being awarded to Kulbhushan Jadhav on charges of spying.

Former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of 'espionage'.(PTI Photo)

A delegation led by Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency (MSA) was to visit New Delhi from April 16-19 to discuss issues related to fishermen and search and rescue operations.

Coast guard sources said the ministry of defence has not given clearance for the delegation’s visit.

The development comes amid tension between the two countries over Jadhav, a former Indian naval officer, being awarded death sentence by a Pakistani military court.

India has said if Jadhav were to be executed, it will be considered as a “premeditated murder”.