In a telephonic interview to this newspaper, the Minister said the pacts are in the pipeline. ``India and Gulf countries will benefit from the treaties as it would make possible mutual exchange of several fugitives.''

Many accused to be tried in India see the Gulf countries as a safe haven. The suspects in major cases like 1993 Mumbai blasts and financial scandals are holed up in these countries. Similarly, many flee the Gulf countries for India after committing serious crimes. These problems can be overcome with the extradition treaty.

``The Government has initiated steps to extradite the accused in the Mumbai blasts case. We are also hopeful that once the pacts materialise, exchange of those involved in the case relatedto the mysterious disappearance of Chekanoor Moulavi will also be possible.''

Currently, New Delhi has extradition understanding with 14 countries. Recently, India had signed the treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ``We are in constant touch with other countries.'' Another item figuring prominently on the agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party was the granting of voting rights to NRIs.