India, Switzerland deny sharing ’black money’ details

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New Delhi, June 23, 2014: Switzerland has not shared any information or given assurance on sharing details about Indian account holders in Swiss banks, where a major portion of India’s "black money" is suspected to be stashed, governments of both countries said Monday.

"We have not received any official communication from Swiss authorities so far about sharing bank account details of Indians (who have) deposited unaccounted money there," India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters outside his North Block office here.

The finance minister was reacting on a media report that said Swiss authorities have prepared a list of names of Indian account holders and will share it with the Indian government.

Jaitley said there is no official communication so far, and the Indian authorities will send a request to Swiss authorities for sharing the information.

"Our communication will be sent today itself," Jaitley said. The Switzerland government also rubbished the report.

"Since a high-level Swiss delegation met with its India counterparts in New Delhi in February 2014, no further official meeting has taken place.

There is no new development to be reported," the Swiss finance ministry said in a statement.

However, it said Switzerland looks forward to working together with the new Indian government in its fight against tax evasion.

"Switzerland is committed to resolving any open question with India and trusts that India shares its understanding that any solution can only be found within the established national and international legal frameworks," the Swiss finance ministry said.

The new Indian government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the black money. The 11-member SIT is headed by former Supreme Court judge M.B. Shah.

Jaitley said the Indian government looks forwardto work closely with Swiss authorities on the issue of black money.

"We are today writing ourselves to the Swiss authorities with whom the ministry has been in touch, so that details with regard to whatever information the authorities have can be expedited and the cooperation between the Swiss authorities and the government of India can bring fruitful results," Jaitley said.