MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar
The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar on Thursday said Christian Michel’s extradited to India is an example of “cooperation between India and UAE.”
Michel is the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.
“After following all due process and after exhausting of all judicial processes, Christian Michel was extradited to India. The matter is being handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This is an example of cooperation between India and UAE,” ANI quoted Kumar as saying.
He also said that India strongly condemns terrorist attack in Chabahar, Iran.
“India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Chabahar, Iran. We express condolences to the govt and people of Iran and families of victims. Perpetrators should be brought to justice expeditiously. There can be no justification for any act of terror,” MEA spokesperson said.
Commenting on the Kartarpur Corridor he said that it was unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicise a religious issue.
[ALSO READ] Congress rattled by Christian Michel's extradition, 'family' getting sleepless nights: BJP
“We see it as the fulfillment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicise a religious issue. We hope Pakistan will fulfill all its announcements in regard to the Kartarpur Corridor,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged on Thursday that the Congress was "completely rattled" by the extradition of Michel and sent its team of lawyers to defend him.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Youth Congress leader Aljo K Joseph appeared for Michel in court on Wednesday and the Congress later went through the "charade" of removing him.
"The Congress party is completely rattled after the extradition of Christian Michel They know the reason. They had sent their team to defend him," Patra said at a press conference.
The Congress expelled Joseph after his appearance in court.
In a statement, the Youth Congress said Joseph represented Michel in his personal capacity and did not consult the party before appearing in the case. Michel, the alleged middleman in the politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore UPA era deal, was brought to India from Dubai Tuesday night following his extradition.
(With inputs from agencies)
