In a significant diplomatic move, India and the United Kingdom engaged in discussions on Monday regarding the urgency of expediting actions under the mutual legal assistance treaty and prioritizing extradition requests pertaining to fugitives.
The talks, held at the CBI Headquarters, involved a high-level delegation from the UK, featuring Stephen Kavanagh, their candidate for the Interpol Secretary General position.
Among the focal points of the dialogue was the extradition of several high-profile fugitives from India, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Sanjay Bhandari, as well as separatists from Punjab and individuals suspected of terrorism, currently based in the UK.
The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations between CBI Director Praveen Sood and senior UK officials, emphasizing the need for enhanced operational collaboration between the two nations.
Various issues were addressed, encompassing criminal intelligence sharing, combatting financial crimes, organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and other transnational threats, according to a statement by the CBI spokesperson.
Both parties expressed their commitment to future interactions and collaborative initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation in combating global crime threats through coordinated efforts, including leveraging Interpol channels.
The UK delegation, comprising Acting High Commissioner Christina Scott, UK National Crime Agency representative Robert Holness, and Sorrel Evans from the UK Home Office, echoed the sentiment of bolstering intelligence sharing and mutual support in combating transnational crimes.
The visit was hailed as a significant stride towards strengthening international cooperation between India and the UK in tackling transnational crime. Both sides reiterated their determination to fortify bilateral ties and address common security challenges effectively.
Stephen Kavanagh expressed gratitude to the CBI for their partnership and affirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration. Praveen Sood, in turn, welcomed Kavanagh’s visit and extended appreciation for the cooperative spirit displayed by the UK delegation.
