India, South Korea sign extradition treaty

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) shake hands with South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun (2-R) as Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (C) looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in New Delhi yesterday. President Roh Moo-Hyun is India for a two-day visit to sign a series of accords and treaties. PHOTO: AFP

The accords -- an extradition treaty and another on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters -- were signed by Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh and his south Korean counterpart Ban Ki-Moon.

The extradition pact "would work as a deterrent for criminals and help reduce criminal activities with international ramifications", an Indian government statement said.

Roh, on a three-day visit to India, and premier Singh had earlier met for private talks before being joined by their delegations.

Roh, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday, began his engagements with a ceremonial welcome Tuesday at the presidential palace attended by President Abdul Kalam, premier Singh and his cabinet colleagues.