Prime Minister Narendra Modi is often accused by his critics and the Opposition of allegedly facilitating Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi to flee India. The culprits, who owe Indian banks thousands of crores, are fugitives living in the UK. Has the PM been trying to bring them back at all? If yes, how is he trying to do it?
As per top legal counsel Harish Salve, Modi raises the issue of the fugitives every time he speaks to the UK business community. The Indian government has conveyed to them that the UK can't be India's trade partner and a safe haven for fugitives simultaneously.
The UK needs strong trade ties with India. In order to secure its trade interests, the UK will have to ensure that Mallya and Nirav Modi are deported to India at least before the 2024 elections. As per Salve, Nirav is almost going to be extradited to India. The UK Home Secretary's signature is what is required now. The deportation will happen with immediate effect once the formality is taken care of.
Going by Salve's words, the PM is using the economic muscle of India to impress upon the UK to deport the fugitives.
