Govt. hopeful of getting consular access to Indian nationals detained in China

New Delhi, Jan.12 (ANI): The Government through its Indian Embassy in Beijing has sought consular access to the 21 Indian nationals, who have been detained by the anti-smuggling bureau of Shenzhen Customs (China) on January 8 for illegal transportation of diamonds from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.

"Ministry of External Affairs is aware of the detention of 21 Indian nationals by the Anti - Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs (China) on 8 January 2010.

They are charged with illegal transportation of diamonds from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. On learning of this detention, our Embassy in Beijing immediately approached the Chinese authorities seeking consular access to the Indian nationals, as provided for, in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on consular matters of 2003," said MEA's spokesman on Tuesday.

"Indian Consular Officers are expected to be granted access to the detained Indian nationals tomorrow morning, January 13, 2010," he informed. (ANI)