New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- A Belgian court in Antwerp has cleared the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India, declaring his arrest by Belgian authorities earlier this year as lawful.

The ruling represents a major development in India's long-running efforts to secure his return in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

While granting the extradition request, the Antwerp court clarified that Choksi would not be immediately sent back, as he retains the right to appeal the decision before a higher court.

Choksi was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, 2025, following a formal request from Indian authorities. Since his detention, he has remained lodged in a Belgian prison, with multiple bail pleas rej...