Indian medias have reported that a mutual agreement on the provision of legal assistance on criminal investigations between India and Maldives may be signed during Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the Maldives.
PM Modi will be traveling to Maldives on a two-day trip; his first trip abroad after his astounding victory last month in the Indian general elections, securing a second term as the PM.
'Economic Times' reported that the purpose of the agreement with the archipelago is to to assist each other by providing legal assistance in the investigation of criminal activities take place in the region to further strengthen the combat against terrorism.
Upon becoming the president, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited India on his maiden trip. During the trip, it was decided among both countries to establish an institutional linkage and a framework on a mutual legal assistance, the newspaper reported, citing an Indian government official.
An official indicated that this could change into a formal agreement during Modi's visit. The same official also reported that this agreement will provide a legal framework of cooperation with Maldives in investigating links in terrorism and other crimes and prosecuting of criminals and tracing illegal funds that finance terrorism.
"Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty" is an agreement made between two countries to assist and exchange information and evidence regarding criminal matters.
It has been confirmed that PM Modi would address at the Maldivian Parliament this Saturday at 6:45pm. No additional details regarding his itinerary for the trip has been shared officially thus far.
The governments of the two countries came to a agreement to provide a credit facility of US$ 1.4 billion during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's maiden visit to India after he took Office.
November 17, 2018 - President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih with Indian PM Narendra Modi (Photo: Ahmed Afrah, AVAS)
