MEA: Ministry of External Affairs spoke on the extradition of Mehul Choksi, India is in touch with Belgium; Pakistan should vacate PoK

Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs – Photo: ANI

India on Thursday said it is working closely with Belgium for the extradition of fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi. Choksi was arrested in Antwerp, Belgium on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government. The Ministry of External Affairs has answered many questions related to Pakistan, America, China, Russia, Bangladesh in its weekly press conference. Read…

New Delhi : On the arrest of fugitive Mehul Choksi, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘He was arrested on the basis of our extradition request. We are working closely with the Belgian side on his extradition.’ Let us tell you that Indian investigative agencies are looking for Mehul Choksi in the bank loan fraud case of Rs 13,500 crore.

‘Pakistan’s identity as the center of global terrorism’

Meanwhile, on the question asked about the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India, the Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘No matter how hard Pakistan tries, its reputation as the center of global terrorism will not diminish. Rana’s extradition reminds Pakistan that it will have to bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks, whom it is still protecting’.

JD Vance’s visit to India, bilateral trade agreement discussed

On US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India, Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘During his visit, he will meet the Prime Minister and discuss all bilateral issues between India and the US.’ On US tariffs, he said, ‘We are in talks with the US side so that a bilateral trade agreement can be reached’.

Will PM Modi visit Russia?

During this time, the Ministry of External Affairs said on PM Modi’s invitation from Russia, ‘The Prime Minister has received an invitation from the Russian President and as I told you, our participation in the Victory Day celebrations will be announced.’

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct air service from China

Meanwhile, on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘We will soon issue a notice to the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Yatra is likely to resume soon.’ On the direct air services between India and China, Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘In principle, both the countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. Technical teams of both sides are considering technical arrangements to resume flight services. Both the civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing relevant modalities including the updated framework.’

Waqf Bill is India’s internal matter- MEA
On the Waqf Amendment Act, the Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘All the elements of the Waqf Bill are India’s internal matter. And you know that the Waqf Amendment Bill proposes many inclusive policies to make the amendment bill more inclusive, more progressive and provide more benefits to the targeted beneficiaries’.

Quad has a bright future – Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs said during its weekly press briefing, ‘Quad has a bright future and the dates for the Quad summit will be announced soon.’ Meanwhile, on the US-Iran talks, the Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘We see the US-Iran talks as a positive development. We have always been in favor of dialogue and diplomacy on such issues’.

‘Hope for positive relations with Bangladesh’

During this time, on India-Bangladesh relations, Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘India hopes to build positive and constructive relations with Bangladesh. We are in favour of a democratic, inclusive Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, last week we had announced about the transshipment facility.’