110 extradition requests made to foreign countries: Government

NEW DELHI: As many as 110 extradition requests have been made to various foreign countries including the US and the UK, government said today.

Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said government has been making every effort to bring fugitives and criminals to justice and to facilitate extradition, India has signed extradition treaties with as many as 47 countries, and entered into extradition arrangements with 9 more countries.

"As per available information, 110 extradition requests made to various countries, namely USA (33), UAE (19), the UK (15), Canada (13), three each to Germany, Nepal, Bangladesh, Italy, Singapore, two each to Australia, Nigeria, Denmark, South Africa and one each to France, Spain, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Oman, are at various stages of execution," he said.

In addition, India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Criminal Matters with 39 countries for facilitating investigations and service of judicial documents abroad, the minister added.

The Government also facilitates execution of Letters of Request issued by the Indian courts and uses Interpol channel for issuance of red corner notices against the fugitives and criminals, Singh said.