A dayafter the ICJ asked Pakistan to review and reconsider its verdict of convictionand death sentence imposed on Kulbhushan Jadav, India on Thursday called uponthe neighbouring country to release and repatriate him.

Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said in a suo motu statement in both the Houses of Parliament that Jadhav was innocent of the charges levelled against him. "No forced confession, that too without legal representation and due process, will change this fact. We once again call upon Pakistan to release and repatriate him forthwith," the Union Minister said.

Jaishankarfurther said the government will vigorously continue its efforts to ensureKulbhushan Jadhav's safety and well being, as well as his early return to India.

Interestingly,all the members of the house including UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and otheropposition leaders have welcomed the ICJ's verdict by thumping the desk.