New Delhi/New York, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her engagements with the Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda EP Chet Greene was assured of full cooperation in the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, allegedly involved in the Punjab National Bank scam.
‘Greene conveyed to the EAM (Ms Swaraj) the assurances of his Prime Minister for the fullest cooperation of their Government in the matter of extradition of Mehul Choksi to India,’ Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.It is understood that the government in Antigua is keen that the the issue is ‘within the framework of Antigua’s law’.
The Antiguan minister conveyed to Ms Swaraj that the extradition process itself has to go through a certain legal and court process and it will be followed.Choksi, who fled in January, reportedly took oath of allegiance in Antigua on January 15. His Indian passport was revoked by the government in February 2018.
Meanwhile, according to official sources, External Affairs Minister also met several global leaders and foreign ministers, including Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.
“A relationship like no other. EAM Sushma Swaraj met the PM of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory,” the MEA spokesman tweeted.
On the sidelines of UN General Assembly, Ms Swaraj also met Iranian Foreign Minister J Zarif and “discussed issues of mutual interest”.
She also held talks with Foreign Minister of Chile Roberto Ampuero Espinoza and discussed enhancing cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, renewable energy and consular matters.
Ms Swaraj also met the new Foreign Minister of Bolivia Diego Rodriguez. Both the leaders discussed expanding the relations across several sectors, specially in pharma, mining, space and development cooperation, the MEA officials said.
