New Delhi, Oct 21:

 A cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the signing of a mutual legal assistance treaty between India and the Maldives.

The signing aims to enhance effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, an official statement said.

“In the context of trans-national crime and its linkages to terrorism, the proposed treaty will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with Maldives in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds, and instruments of crime as well as funds meant to finance terrorist acts,” the statement added.(IANS)