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London: Contradicting reports in a section of the Indian media, Belgium has said that no undertaking but only an update was given to India on jewellery magnate Mehul Choksi’s extradition during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to New Delhi last week.

In response to a direct query by this writer to De Wever seeking clarification on what, according to him, transpired during his talks in Delhi and what his government’s position was in Choksi’s case, a Belgian official replied that an update on the judicial process was communicated.

“During the visit, the Belgian side provided an update on the ongoing judicial process. This was appreciated by the Indian side, which expressed its wish for the normal legal proceedings to be concluded and confirmed that it fully respects and understands the need for those proceedings to run their course. The Indian side neither requested nor implied any form of special intervention in the ongoing process.”

A section of Indian mainstream media had claimed Belgium had been “very affirmative” on sending back Choksi to India. The Belgian response above also contradicts reports which suggested India pressed the Belgian premier on the matter.

‘Governed by the........

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