India seeks consular access to its 2 nationals arrested by Pakistan

India asks Pak to provide consular access to two of its nationals who were arrested

India has asked Pakistan to provide consular access to two of its nationals who were arrested by the neighbouring country.

Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar said, India has sought their repatriation without any harm. He said, the sudden arrest of the two Indians, Prashant Vaindam and Dhari Lal, came as a surprise as India had informed Pakistan that they may have crossed over inadvertently.

He hoped that the arrested Indians do not become victims of Pakistani propaganda.

The Spokesman also said, the number of pilgrims using the Kartarpur Corridor is increasing in the last few days, especially over the



weekends.

He said, the facilitation procedures are part of the bilateral agreement with Pakistan which have been finalized after the discussions of the officials from both the countries. He added that any change can be undertaken only with the consent of both parties formally and not through a tweet or a statement.

Mr Kumar also said, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will witness the opening day's play of India's maiden Day-Night Cricket Test match in Kolkata tomorrow at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said, this request was made in view of the historic nature of the first-ever day-night Test match to be played on Indian soil and bearing in mind the special occasion that this represents in Indian sport.