New Delhi [India], April 14: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday credited India’s robust diplomatic efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for facilitating the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana from the United States.
While he praised India’s foreign policy achievements, Meghwal stopped short of confirming any active steps regarding the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who was arrested recently in Belgium.
“Our External Affairs Minister has made it clear, and I repeat—under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, our successful diplomacy is a result of strong foreign policy. It’s because of this diplomacy that we are able to achieve such outcomes. This is a proud moment for India,” Meghwal said, speaking at an event commemorating the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar.
Choksi, the 65-year-old diamond tycoon, is wanted in connection with the Rs 13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, where he, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of defrauding the bank through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking between 2014 and 2017.
Meghwal, however, declined to provide specific updates on whether the Indian government had initiated formal extradition proceedings for Choksi, whose arrest was confirmed earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Choksi’s lawyer Vijay Aggarwal warned against the extradition, arguing that it would violate his client’s human rights.
“His human rights will be greatly affected if he is extradited to India. He will not get proper medical treatment and may be harassed by political parties,” Aggarwal said, adding that the legal defence would argue the case is politically motivated and that India’s conditions do not meet human rights standards.
At the event, Meghwal also paid tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar, lauding the installation of his statue on Parliament premises and its significance in promoting constitutional values.
“Programs around the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna BR Ambedkar are conducted by the Department of Justice. The statue that was inaugurated last year has become a focal point for awareness and activities around the Constitution,” he noted.
As India celebrates diplomatic success with Tahawwur Rana’s extradition, all eyes are now on whether similar pressure will lead to Mehul Choksi’s return, marking another high-profile victory for Indian enforcement agencies.