New Delhi: A mutual legal assistance treaty to combat terrorism and criminal activities between India and Ukraine on February 4 received approval of the government, making it the 14th such accord to be signed with various countries.

India has already entered into treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters with the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Russia, France, Switzerland, Kyrgystan, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Turkey.

Briefing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the Cabinet gave formal approval to the treaty with Ukraine, which had been signed on September 18 last year.

The treaty, she said, would enhance effectiveness of measures in investigation, prosecution and suppression of crime including those related to terrorism.

The treaty provides for widest measures of mutual assistance in the service of summons, execution of warrants and other judicial documents and commissions.

Bilateral co-operation would be available in locating or identifying persons or items, serving documents, records and items of evidence, executing requests for searches and seizure and transfer of persons in custody for giving evidence.

PTI