India has pressed Belgium on multiple occasions to extradite fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, raising the matter at several levels during recent bilateral talks, NDTV has learned from sources present at the discussions.
New Delhi reiterated that securing Choksi’s return to face trial remains a top priority, and the issue was raised repeatedly during high-level engagements between the two countries, with Belgian officials reportedly receptive throughout. Any such move will have to go through the legal process in Belgium, including scrutiny by the country’s authorities and courts. India has consistently argued that people accused of major economic offences shouldn’t be able to avoid legal proceedings simply by moving to another country.
The sources said Belgium’s response was “very affirmative,” with officials expressing strong support for India’s extradition request. That said, a positive response from the Belgian government doesn’t mean an immediate extradition. Still, sources said Belgium’s willingness to support India’s request is being seen as a positive development.
For now, the key takeaway from the latest meetings is that India raised Choksi’s extradition with Belgium at several levels and, according to sources, received a strongly positive response.
