Govt doesn't have steady approach towards Pakistan, gets swayed by emotions, says Salman Khurshid

Speaking about the outrage concerning ill-treatment to family of Kulbhushan Jadhav, former External Affairs minister, Salman Khurshid said the incumbent government is not steady with its approach towards Pakistan.

Speaking to India Today, Khurshid said, "Government should consider if it is playing into Pakistan's hands. Are we inviting indignity on our own sisters? Pakistan intentions do not seem honourable, noble. If they had agreed to access, they could have been courteous. Asking ladies to remove traditional jewellery is disrespectful. Government does not have a steady approach to Pakistan and gets swayed by emotions time to time."

Khurshid held the portfolio of Ministry of External Affairs from 2012-2014 during the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh. He agreed these are difficult conditions for any government to take a decision on and must use all possible diplomatic instruments.

"Family may feel they at least met the dear one and may even want to meet him again. We should respect that. These are difficult conditions for the government. Government should not sway with emotions (since the meet). We must show displeasure over what happened but use diplomatic instruments available at best."

On the question if these visuals and verbal references by family can be used as evidence in International Court of Justice (ICJ) to expose Pakistan at international platform, Khurshid, who is also a senior lawyer, added, "Courts decide on strict principles and not with emotional equity. In international matters, especially, these may not make a huge difference. However, whatever material is available can be used as an advantage."