Maldives-India to sign Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty

Indian news agencies are reporting that Maldives and India will be inking the agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Maldives this weekend.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the decision to participate in the "Treaty between the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of India on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters” upon the recommendations of the Cabinet during February 2019. Solih also held discussions with the Indian government to establish an agreement on mutual assistance in criminal matters between Maldives and India, during his visit to India.

Citing an Indian government official, the Economic Times reported that the proposed arrangement will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation between Maldivs and India in the fields of criminal investiogation and prosecution; as well as tracing, restraint; and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime; as well as funds meant to finance terrorist acts.

The scope of the treaty covers the facilitation of the widest measures of mutual assistance in the service of summons, execution of warrants and other judicial documents and commissions, in accordance with the treaty and subject to the domestic laws of participating States. It also includes improving the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, including crime related to terrorism and tracing, restraints forfeiture or confiscation of funds meant for financing of terrorism as also the proceeds and instruments of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

While Prime Minister Modi is to arrive in Maldives on Friday and address the People's Majlis the following day, both countries are yet to disclose official details of the Prime Minister's state visit.

The relationship between both countries have been improving and it is speculated that more agreements between the countries would be signed during the trip.

Maldives is the first country Modi is visiting after swearing in for a second term. After Maldives, he is to arrive in Sri Lanka.