New Delhi, Nov 25 (FN Agency) India’s candidate, Praveen Sinha, Special Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was elected on Thursday as Delegate for Asia on the Executive Committee of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), beating tough competition from China and Singapore. It was a tough election, with India running against four other contestants – China, Singapore, Republic of Korea and Jordan – for two posts. The elections were held in Istanbul during the ongoing 89th INTERPOL General Assembly. INTERPOL is a vital body for tackling the rising spectre of trans-national organized crimes, terrorism and cyber-crimes. India will continue to actively contribute to INTERPOL’s aims and objectives and to enhance its effectiveness through our professional competence and experience, said sources.
Today’s victory is the result of an intense and well-coordinated election campaign across the world. Crucial support of friendly countries was sought at bilateral engagements at different levels, the sources added. India’s Embassies and High Commissions regularly followed up with host governments. Ambassadors and High Commissioners resident in Delhi were similarly reached out, they said. Simultaneously, India’s National Central Bureau (NCB-India) reached out to its counterparts around the world to campaign for this election. The Indian Ambassador in Turkey camped in Istanbul for the last few days and held on-the-ground bilateral meetings with delegations for the final efforts to gain support. We deeply appreciate all those countries who voted for India, said the sources.