Thursday, April 21 2005 10:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet yesterday (Apr 20, 2005) gave its approval for signing and ratification of an Extradition Treaty between India and Nepal to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

This Treaty would provide an improved and more effective legal framework for extradition of fugitive offenders, including those who may be wanted in respect of economic offences, Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told reporters in New Delhi.

He said it would work as a deterrent for criminals and would help minimize criminal activities with international ramifications.

It would further strengthen the relationship between India and Nepal by providing a strong legal basis for bilateral cooperation in dealing with the unlawful elements acting against the national interests of both the countries.

The 1953 Extradition Treaty, which is currently operative between the two countries, lacks provisions on several basic issues, including treatment of nationals of the requested country and of a third country, method of determining extraditable offences and obligation to extradite or prosecute a fugitive.