From Nirav Modi to Lawrence Bishnoi, India is preparing to crack down on fugitives, MEA gave important information

The Government of India has once again made it clear that action will continue against fugitives and international criminals hiding abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) answered many important questions in the press briefing, from the extradition of Nirav Modi to the case of Lawrence Bishnoi. The ministry said that in all matters India is working under law and international obligations. Along with this, India’s stand was also reiterated on issues like West Asia, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and South China Sea.

In its press conference, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified its position on many important issues related to foreign policy, security and international crime. The most discussion was on questions related to fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the legal process of extradition of Nirav Modi is still going on. India is continuously pursuing this matter and working with the concerned countries as per the legal process. At the same time, in response to the question asked on the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi, the ministry said that India will take action as per its legal framework and international obligations. Also welcoming the action taken by America against Lawrence Bishnoi gang, it was said that cooperation between India and America against transnational organized crime is continuously getting stronger. India considers organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal arms networks as major threats to global security.

The Ministry of External Affairs also mentioned the multinational campaign Operation Hard Ball and said that such operations have further strengthened the cooperation between India and America in curbing international crime. India also expressed concern over the situation in West Asia. The ministry said that the Strait of Hormuz is a very important sea route for global energy and trade. Safe and uninterrupted navigation should be ensured here. The ministry said that Foreign Minister S. Energy security was the main agenda in Jaishankar’s recent visit to West Asia. India has summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador and lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian sailor off the coast of Oman. The government said that the safety of Indian citizens is the top priority.

Talks were also held on these issues

On the ongoing protests against Pakistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Foreign Ministry said that the international community should hold Pakistan accountable for its illegal occupation and the treatment of the people there. India once again reiterated its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the South China Sea dispute. The ministry said that the China-Philippines arbitration decision is an important milestone towards peaceful resolution of disputes. Apart from this, India has taken cognizance of the new comments made in Canada on the matters related to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case. Regarding participation in the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels, the ministry said that India will continue constructive and humanitarian cooperation for the Palestinian people.

Here were the main points of the press briefing

• In the case of the death of an Indian sailor off the coast of Oman, India summoned the Deputy Ambassador of Iran and lodged a strong protest.
• After US President Donald Trump’s Hormuz Toll announcement on the Strait of Hormuz, India advocated unhindered maritime movement and trade activities through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Foreign Minister S. Energy security was the main agenda during Jaishankar’s visit to West Asia: External Affairs Ministry.
• On the protests against Pakistani occupation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Ministry of External Affairs said that it is hoped that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable.
• India keeping a close eye on the situation in West Asia after the US attacks on Chabahar, the Ministry of External Affairs again emphasized on safe and unhindered maritime movement.
• On completion of 10 years of China-Philippines Arbitration Award in the South China Sea case, India said that this decision is an important milestone and the basis for peaceful resolution of disputes.
• India reiterated its stance on freedom of navigation, maritime trade and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with UNCLOS.
• On the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the legal process is still going on.
• On the multinational operation Operation Hard Ball, the Ministry of External Affairs noted the strong cooperation between India and the United States against transnational organized crime.
• On Canada’s comments regarding no link being found against Indian officials in the Nijjar massacre, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has taken cognizance of these comments.
• On the situation in Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the developments in West Asia are being closely monitored and safe and uninterrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy and economic security.
• On the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India will take action in accordance with its legal and international obligations.
• On India’s participation in the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India wants to make a constructive contribution to the Palestinian people.
• On the action of the US Justice Department on the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India considers transnational organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal arms networks as a serious threat and India-US cooperation in this area is continuously strengthening.