India and the United Kingdom will cooperate with each other to ensure the smooth return of Indians overstaying there, said the Union Home Ministry on Thursday.
Both sides reached the agreement at the first Home Affairs dialogue between the two countries, during which issues of mutual cooperation in investigations, including those against “Khalistani activists”, and requests for extradition and deportation were discussed. They agreed to formalise arrangements for cooperation on anti-terror operations and cyber offences.
The Indian side was led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and the U.K. delegation was led by Patsy Wilkinson, Second Permanent Secretary, Home Office, said Home Ministry Adviser Ashok Prasad.
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Asked if the issue of Vijay Mallya’s extradition was taken up, Mr. Prasad said no specific cases were discussed during the meeting. “Anyhow, that particular case is now sub judice and, therefore, cannot be discussed,” he said.
The meeting was held as a follow up to UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit to India last November.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction in matters relating to extradition of wanted persons. The process involved in matters of extradition, and the need to further improve them, was also discussed. Both sides agreed to address the challenges of illegal migrants,” said Mr. Prasad.
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