Cabinet okays extradition treaty

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday approved the extradition treaty between India and Portugal signed earlier this year.

The treaty, which would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals from and to Portugal, had been signed on January 11, a year after underworld don Abu Salem was extradited here from the European country.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also gave approval for ratification of the treaty, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters. The pact had been signed after talks between Singh and visiting Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva.

The treaty also provides for action for suppression of crimes, including terrorists. A provision for seizure of properties of criminals and terrorists is also included in the pact.

India has given an undertaking that the extradited people will not be awarded death penalty, facilitating signing of the agreement as it was believed to have been the main condition of Portugal. The Cabinet also gave its approval for concluding a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Macedonia.