New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- In a significant development in the bid to bring back fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a court in Antwerp, Belgium, on Friday dismissed his appeal against extradition.

According to officials cited by PTI, the ruling marks a major step forward for India in its efforts to secure Choksi's return.

"In September, the Court of Appeals in Antwerp heard the appeal of Choksi, who was arrested in that country on April 11 on the basis of an extradition request sent by the CBI," they said.

"The Court of Appeals in Antwerp, Belgium, issued a preliminary judgment today, rejecting Mehul Choksi's appeal against extradition. This is a win and the first step towards his extradition. He may now appeal against this order before the...