Vanuatu cancels Lalit Modi’s passport over extradition.
Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, announced last week his decision to surrender his Indian passport after acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu. The move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in India, where he faces allegations of financial irregularities. By obtaining Vanuatu citizenship, Modi appeared to be distancing himself from potential extradition efforts by Indian authorities.
However, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister has now ordered the cancellation of his passport, citing concerns that Modi may be attempting to avoid extradition. This latest development raises questions about his next legal steps and whether Indian authorities will intensify efforts to bring him back to face charges. Modi has yet to respond to the cancellation order.
Lalit Modi’s Passport Cancelled: Vanuatu Revokes Citizenship Amid Extradition Concerns
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a fugitive economic offender, has suffered a major setback as Vanuatu has decided to cancel his passport. The decision, announced by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat, comes just days after Modi stated that he wished to surrender his Indian passport following his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship.
The move raises serious questions about Modi’s legal standing and future, as he has long been evading Indian authorities who seek to bring him back to face charges related to financial irregularities. The cancellation of his Vanuatu passport complicates his efforts to remain outside India’s legal reach, bringing him one step closer to potential extradition.
Vanuatu’s Decision: A Sudden and Significant Move
In a statement released on Monday, Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office confirmed that the Citizenship Commission had been directed to cancel Lalit Modi’s passport. The announcement came as a shock to many, considering that Modi had only recently acquired citizenship in the Pacific island nation.
This revelation suggests that had the Interpol alert been issued, Modi’s citizenship request would not have been approved in the first place. However, with the new information now available, Vanuatu has taken swift action to distance itself from the controversy.
Lalit Modi’s Legal Troubles and Escape from India
Lalit Modi left India in 2010 amid allegations of financial misconduct linked to the IPL. Since then, he has been living abroad, primarily in the United Kingdom, as Indian authorities have pursued him through legal channels. He has been accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), money laundering, and financial mismanagement during his tenure as IPL chairman.
Despite repeated efforts by Indian agencies, Modi has successfully avoided extradition. His latest move—acquiring Vanuatu citizenship and attempting to renounce his Indian passport—was widely seen as an attempt to further shield himself from legal proceedings.
However, Vanuatu’s decision to revoke his passport changes the equation. Without a valid passport, Modi may face significant hurdles in his international travel and legal defense.
What This Means for Modi’s Future
With his Vanuatu passport on the verge of cancellation, Modi is now in a precarious situation. Without a recognized nationality, he could face increased scrutiny from immigration authorities worldwide. Many countries require a valid passport for residency and travel, and losing his Vanuatu citizenship could limit his options significantly.
For India, this is a diplomatic and legal victory. The cancellation of Modi’s passport could pave the way for stronger extradition efforts. While India does not have an extradition treaty with Vanuatu, the Pacific nation’s decision to act against Modi indicates a willingness to cooperate with international legal norms.
The big question now is: What will Lalit Modi do next? If he has secured alternative citizenship elsewhere, he may try to maintain his international status. However, if he does not have another nationality, he could become stateless—an issue that would make his legal battles even more complicated.
India’s Next Steps
With this development, Indian authorities will likely intensify their pursuit of Modi. If he is stripped of his Vanuatu citizenship, he may be left with few options to avoid extradition. India could also re-approach Interpol with fresh evidence, hoping for a more favorable response this time.
Additionally, diplomatic negotiations with the UK could gain momentum, as Modi has been residing there for years. While past efforts to bring him back have not succeeded, Vanuatu’s decision may change the calculus in India’s favor.
Modi’s Response and the Road Ahead
As of now, Lalit Modi has not publicly responded to Vanuatu’s decision. His legal team is likely exploring options to challenge the move or secure another legal route to maintain his international mobility.
However, the cancellation of his passport is a clear signal that his attempts to evade Indian authorities may no longer be as effective. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this development accelerates his extradition or if he finds another way to prolong his stay outside India.
For now, one thing is clear: Lalit Modi’s carefully crafted international escape plan is starting to unravel.