File picture of former IPL chairman and Indian fugitive Lalit Modi
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi applied with the Indian High Commission in London to surrender his Indian passport, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Responding to developments in the thorny case between the two countries, the MEA spokesperson said that India is aware that Mr. Modi, who is wanted for tax evasion and embezzlement cases in India, has acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu.
Mr. Modi continues to live in London more than a decade after India has demanded his extradition. Mr. Jaiswal said that Mr. Modi has now made an application to surrender his Indian passport which will be examined.
“We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law,” he added. India has raised the issue of Mr. Modi and other declared fugitives, including Vijay Mallya, during Home office and Foreign office consultations with the U.K.
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation. According to one report, Vanuatu sells citizenship for about $150,000.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – March 08, 2025 09:25 am IST
