Bangkok:
In a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and Thailand today signed the much awaited extradition treaty after 20 years of negotiations.
The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
The treaty was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra.
The treaty provides the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes and economic offences among others.
The treaty provides for the extradition of any person who is wanted for trial or for the imposition or enforcement of a sentence by one 'Contracting State' and is found in the territory of the other 'Contracting State'.
This will help both the countries in expediting extradition of fugitives.
It would further strengthen the relationship between two law enforcement agencies by providing a firm legal basis for their bilateral cooperation, the treaty said.
Thailand has long been a refuge for underworld dons and outlawed groups.
An MoU between Financial Intelligence Unit, India and Anti Money Laundering Organization, Thailand on cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was also signed.
The MoU will facilitate cooperation in the investigation of persons suspected of money laundering and criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing. The MoU seeks to assemble, develop, analyse and exchange information on such issues.
"Our growing security cooperation received a major boost today. The Extradition Treaty, concluded after two decades of negotiations, and a memorandum on cooperation in anti-money laundering send a major signal of our shared commitment to combating terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and counterfeiting," Prime Minister Singh said.
He added, "We also agreed to continue strengthening defence relations, including through exchanges, exercises and joint patrolling".
A Joint statement released after the meeting between the two leaders said the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the bilateral Extradition Treaty which would provide a legal basis for bilateral cooperation in dealing with elements acting against national interests.
Both leaders reiterated their resolve to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, counterfeiting and human trafficking.
They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of counter terrorism and intelligence sharing through expedited follow-up of each other's requests for legal assistance.
On the military front, Thailand expressed interest in India's defence industry, which has competitive production and advanced technology.
Both countries agreed to pursue defence industry collaboration in areas of mutual interest, the statement said.
The two Prime Ministers appreciated the close interactions and regular exchanges between the Armed Forces of Thailand and India including the official visit of the Thai Defence Minister to India in December 2012, the conduct of the Defence Dialogue in February 2013 and the regular Coordinated Patrol (CORPATs) conducted by the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy.
The Thai side also welcomed the visit of the Indian Defence Minister to Thailand in June 2013.
"Both sides agreed to enhance anti-piracy cooperation, promote security of sea lanes and Coast Guard cooperation to contribute to the maintenance of peace in the region and to work towards ensuring safety and security of navigation in the Indian Ocean," the joint statement said.
Both sides agreed to continue providing scholarships and training programmes for the sharing of expertise.
The leaders also welcomed the deepening of cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation.
The 7th India-Thailand JWG on Security Cooperation, held in Thailand in July 2012, agreed to expedite the implementation of the five-year programme finalised by the Joint Working Group.
Progress on the implementation of the Work Programme will be reported at the next JWG meeting, to be hosted by India.
In total, seven pacts were signed between the two countries.
They included one on the establishment of the India-Thailand exchange programme, Procs Verbal on exchange of instrument of ratification of the treaty on transfer of sentenced persons, MoU in cooperation in the field of mapping and geospatial technology applications and one on cooperation in the field of mapping and geospatial technology applications.