Kulbhushan Jadhav to finally meet his family on December 25!

Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, a Mumbai native is believed to be a Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent.

A Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Navy, he is said to have sought retirement in 2013 to start his own business.

At the time of his arrest at the Iran-Pakistan border in March 2016, he held an Indian passport in the name of Hussein Mubarak Patel.

Jadhav was arrested by Pakistan security forces on charges of espionage and festering terrorism in the restive Balochistan region.

Subsequently, the Pakistan military court convicted Jadhav, sentencing him to death.

India opposed the death sentence and denied allegations against retired naval officer Jadhav. They approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stayed Jadhav's death sentence until they hear the matter completely.

India has made about 15 requests for consular access to Jadhav since his arrest. But, they have been turned down, which India insists is Vienna Convention's violation.

Concerning the family, Indian government had moved a visa application for Jadhav's mother. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also wrote a personal letter appealing to the Pakistan government for visa approval. But, these pleas were rejected.

Ministry of external spokesperson Raveesh Kumar explained that India "has sought sovereign guarantee from the Pakistan Government to ensure safety, and security of both. Also, during their stay in Pakistan they should not be questioned, or harassed."

Moreover, MEA has demanded that a diplomat from India's high commission in Pakistan be allowed to accompany the family at all times.