Hong Kong and India have signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. It is Hong Kong's 27th pact with other jurisdictions.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee and Indian Government Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran signed the document today in New Delhi. It covers:

* identifying and locating people;

* serving documents;

* obtaining information, statements, evidence, articles or documents from people;

* executing requests for search and seizure;

* facilitating the personal appearance of people to provide assistance;

* effecting the temporary transfer of people in custody to provide assistance;

* obtaining production of judicial or official record;

* tracing, restraining, forfeiting and confiscating the proceeds and instruments of crime;

* providing information, documents and records;

* delivery of property, including lending of exhibits; and,

* other assistance.

The agreement will come into force 30 days after the two sides inform each other they have complied with their entry requirements for the agreement.

Mr Lee said the two places have also concluded the negotiation of a transfer of sentenced people agreement.

"We are working closely together to bring the agreement into force so prisoners of the two places will be able to return to their places of origin to serve their sentences in an environment free of language and cultural barriers."

He will call on India's Central Board of Excise & Customs tomorrow before returning to Hong Kong Wednesday.