India-Israel sign pact on criminal matters

NEW DELHI: India and Israel have signed a pact to cooperate in criminal matters, including execution of summons and warrants by each other's courts.

The agreement was signed by the two countries days before the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee, who will tour Israel for three days beginning tomorrow as part of his ongoing three-nation trip.

"Arrangements have been made by India with Israel for service or execution of summons or warrant in relation to criminal matters on any person in Israel," a Home Ministry official said.

Similarly, under the pact, if a court in India executes any summons or search warrant receives from a court or magistrate in Israel, the central government will execute the order.

While, India's summons and warrants will be executed by Israel's Ministry of Justice, India's Ministry of Home Affairs will process the request of the Israeli government, the official said.