India 'Hugely Angry' Over Nirav Modi Extradition Delay, Says Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel

Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has claimed that Indian authorities were "hugely angry" over Britain's failure to extradite fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, despite an extradition order being approved more than five years ago. Patel, who signed Modi's extradition order in April 2021 after British courts found a prima facie case against him, said she was "appalled and horrified" that the businessman continues to remain in the United Kingdom. She made the remarks during an interview for The Daily Telegraph's podcast series The Diamond King.

According to Patel, the prolonged delay has strained relations between India and the UK. She alleged that New Delhi was deeply frustrated over the lack of progress and suggested the issue even affected cooperation on the return of illegal migrants and failed asylum seekers from Britain. Nirav Modi, 55, is wanted in India in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Investigators have accused him of fraud, money laundering, and tampering with evidence. He has been lodged in a London prison since his arrest in 2019 while fighting extradition through a series of legal appeals.

Although British courts approved his extradition and Patel formally signed the order in 2021, the process has been delayed by multiple appeals, including challenges based on human rights and asylum-related claims. Most of those legal options have now reportedly been exhausted, bringing the case closer to a final resolution.

Calling the prolonged proceedings an abuse of the UK's legal system, Patel said Nirav Modi should already be in India to face trial. She argued that extradition treaties are meant to ensure that individuals accused of serious financial crimes are returned to the requesting country without unnecessary delays.

The Nirav Modi case has become one of the most closely watched extradition matters between India and the United Kingdom. Indian authorities have consistently pursued his return, maintaining that he must face trial for one of the country's biggest banking fraud cases. With Patel's latest remarks reigniting public attention, the focus is now on whether the remaining legal formalities will finally clear the way for Nirav Modi's extradition to India after years of courtroom battles.