Mumbai (Maharashtra): Friends of Kulbhushan Jadhav, the naval officer who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism, slammed Islamabad after it said its case against Jadhav in International Court of Justice (ICJ) is "very strong".

Speaking to ANI, Arvind Singh, Jadhav's friend was of the view that this statement by the Pakistan government is a clear tactic in order to win the hearts of the people ahead of inching general elections.

He also stated that Indian representative will put forth all its point directly in the ICJ during the next hearing.

Jadhav's another friend, Tulsidas Pawar also supported Singh's contention and added that Indian representative at the ICJ is doing a commendable job.

He also asserted that the International court will give judgment in the favour of New Delhi.

"Our lawyer in ICJ is making persuasive arguments against Pakistan who has unlawfully held Jadhav in its captivity. We are confident that the judicature will soon pronounce judgment in India's favor and will direct Islamabad's authorities to send back Jadhav to his home," he said.

Venting anger over Pakistan for falsely accusing Jadhav of spying for India, Vandana Pawar, another friend of Jadhav said,"

Islamabad has been blatantly lying in this case from the very beginning. We will give a befitting reply to them and will counter all their false claims at the ICJ only."

Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan, Pakistan, over charges of alleged involvement in espionage and subversive activities for India's intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

India, however, maintains that Jadhav was a former naval officer and kidnapped from Iran, where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

On April 10, 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) in Pakistan.

Over a month later, the ICJ stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.