External Affairs Ministry has said that Jinnah House in Mumbai is the property of the government of India and it will be renovated to host important functions.

Responding to a media query in New Delhi on Thursday evening, Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Pakistan has no locus standi on the building. He said, once renovated, the Jinnah House will be used effectively like the Hyderabad House in the capital.

On Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari, who returned to his country from Pakistan on Tuesday, Mr Kumar said, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inquired about his well being and also asked him as to how he landed in Pakistan.

Mr Ansari told Mrs Swaraj that he was in love with a Pakistani girl and went to meet her. The spokesperson said the girl had testified in favour of Mr Ansari before Pakistan authorities.

On upcoming elections in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said, India will send a three-member delegation of observers to Dhaka on a four-day visit beginning 28th of this month.

When asked about fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, the spokesperson said, the Indian mission is currently in touch with the UK authorities.