The Modi government’s attempt to get back tainted fugitive businessmen seems to be paying dividends. On that distinguished list, diamond merchant Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi figure right at the top.

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The government and its diplomats need to be commended for making all out efforts to get back those who have escaped Indian law to safe havens abroad. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, where Choksi has sought refuge, said his government will revoke the citizenship of fugitive businessman after he exhausts all his legal options.

This will pave way for his extradition. To be sure, Choksi will get the chance to appeal before he is extradited to India, but the countdown for him and his nephew has begun. Even though India has not been formally told by Antigua about the decision, Indian officials have been in touch with their counterparts there.

Choksi had taken the nationality of Antigua and Barbuda in November 2017, using the Citizenship by Investment Programme of the twin islands. India is also seeking the return of Nirav Modi, who had fled to the UK in January last year.

The Narendra Modi government wants to prove a point by chasing down those who have escaped. Last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a special court about “36 businessmen” who had fled India despite criminal cases against them.

While the ED didn’t submit any list, it can be safely inferred it was talking about the likes of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Choksi, Lalit Modi and the Sandesara brothers. If the government manages to get back some of these fugitives, it will be a warning signal for other potential absconders. It would also quieten the Opposition, which has routinely attacked the Prime Minister on this subject.