Goa, July 28 -- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday rejected claims that India's cooperation in taking back illegal migrants from the United Kingdom was linked to the extradition of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi.

Responding to remarks made by former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there is a defined procedure for deporting individuals, which includes completing necessary documentation and verifying their citizenship before they can be accepted by a country.

"The legal proceedings against Nirav Modi are underway, and he will be deported once these proceedings conclude," Jaiswal said. He added that the Indian government remains committed to bringing the businessman back to India so...