Antigua Assures Full Cooperation in Mehul Choksi’s Extradition

The Antiguan FM has reassured Swaraj that the country will provide full cooperation in Choksi’s extradition.

Antiguan Foreign Minister Chet Greene (left) and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (right).

(Photo: Twitter/@MEAIndia)

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj raised the issue of extradition of Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Mehul Choksi during her bilateral meeting with the Antiguan Foreign Minister Chet Greene on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York, on Wednesday, 26 September, reported ANI.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Swaraj told the Antiguan Foreign Minister that India has immense expection towards Antigua regarding Choksi's extradition as he left the country after committing a massive fraud.

In turn, the Antiguan Foreign Minister reassured Swaraj that the country will provide full cooperation in Choksi’s extradition, according to ANI.

On being questioned about whether Antigua will help India in the matter, Greene told ANI, "I think it is only appropriate if you speak to your Foreign Minister."

Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that a bilateral meeting was arranged at the request of the Antiguan Foreign Minister.

A (bilateral) meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. He personally wanted to tell the EAM of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi.

Raveesh Kumar to ANI 

Kumar reiterated, and said that the Antiguan side has expressed their commitment to solve the matter.

The External Affairs Minister had requested him (Foreign Minister of Antigua) that the quicker the matter is resolved, the better it is. Her counterpart replied that they’re trying their best. He said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they’ll examine, but he expressed the commitment of his Prime Minister and government before Swaraj.

Raveesh Kumar to ANI

(With inputs from ANI)