Vanuatu Cancels Lalit Modi’s Citizenship Amid Legal Troubles and IPL Scandal
In a significant development, the government of Vanuatu has canceled the citizenship of Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder, following his application to surrender his Indian passport. This move comes just days after Modi, currently residing in London, reportedly acquired Vanuatu citizenship and sought to relinquish his Indian passport.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat directed the Citizenship Commission to revoke the passport issued to Modi, confirming that the decision was made in response to the ongoing legal issues surrounding the businessman. This development is the latest twist in a long-running saga involving Modi, who is wanted by Indian authorities for alleged financial misconduct during his time at the helm of the IPL.
vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat Cancels Lalit Modi’s Passport
The Legal Saga Surrounding Lalit Modi
Lalit Modi, who left India in 2010, has faced numerous legal challenges related to his role in the IPL, particularly regarding accusations of embezzlement and money laundering. The Indian law enforcement agencies have been pursuing him for years, with investigations into allegations that Modi siphoned off crores of rupees during his tenure as IPL chairman.
While Modi’s critics have condemned his alleged involvement in financial irregularities, his supporters argue that he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing Indian cricket through the IPL. Despite the ongoing legal battles, Modi has maintained his innocence and continued to be a prominent figure in cricketing circles.
Modi’s Attempt to Surrender His Indian Passport
In a surprising turn, Lalit Modi submitted an application to the Indian High Commission in London earlier this week, expressing his intent to surrender his Indian passport. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed that the application was received and is being processed in accordance with India’s established rules and procedures.
“We have received his application for surrendering his passport, and it is being examined as per the applicable norms,” Jaiswal stated. He added that while the Indian government was aware of Modi’s citizenship in Vanuatu, the law enforcement agencies would continue to pursue the case against him.
Vanuatu’s Decision to Cancel Modi’s Citizenship
In a swift response to Modi’s request to surrender his Indian passport, the government of Vanuatu took action, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat ordering the revocation of Modi’s citizenship. This move has raised questions about the small Pacific island nation’s role in granting citizenship to individuals under investigation for criminal activities in their home countries.
The Vanuatu government has yet to provide detailed reasoning for the revocation, but it is understood that Modi’s controversial past and ongoing legal issues in India played a significant role in the decision. The cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport further complicates his already challenging legal situation and adds another layer of complexity to his battle with Indian authorities.
Modi’s Public Support for India’s Cricket Team
In a lighter moment amidst his legal battles, Lalit Modi took to social media to congratulate Team India on their victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The Indian men’s cricket team clinched the title for the third time by defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final in Dubai. Rohit Sharma led the team with an outstanding half-century, while Shreyas Iyer contributed with the bat to secure a four-wicket victory, helping India chase down New Zealand’s total of 251/7.
Spotlight on sponsorship: The IPL – more room to grow » The Long Game @IPL https://t.co/jtanWXfC4V
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 9, 2025
Modi expressed his admiration for the team’s performance, particularly praising Rohit Sharma for his leadership. He tweeted, “Congratulations to #TeamIndia on winning the #worldcup and to @GautamGambhir for his amazing ability to take them down this road 🙏🏽 and to #rohitsharma for his stewardship and dedication to the game. Most brilliant captain ever. Hats off.”
While the IPL founder’s comments were met with a mix of admiration and skepticism, they nonetheless demonstrated his continued connection to the world of cricket, despite his personal and legal challenges.
Impact of the Decision on Modi’s Future
The revocation of Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu citizenship could have far-reaching consequences for his legal situation. While he remains outside the jurisdiction of Indian law, the cancellation of his passport by a foreign government adds another hurdle in his ongoing attempts to avoid legal accountability.
Modi’s citizenship in Vanuatu was seen by some as a strategic move to evade legal action in India. With the revocation, he now faces increased scrutiny from both Indian and international law enforcement agencies. The Vanuatu government’s decision to sever ties with him may signal a shift in the global stance on individuals attempting to evade legal action by seeking refuge in countries with less stringent extradition policies.
Conclusion: A Long-Running Legal Battle
Lalit Modi’s legal troubles are far from over, and the cancellation of his Vanuatu citizenship only adds complexity to his case. With his application to surrender his Indian passport under review, it remains to be seen how Indian authorities will respond. The ongoing investigation into his alleged role in financial misconduct during his IPL tenure will continue to shape the narrative surrounding the controversial figure.
As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international legal disputes and the challenges authorities face when dealing with individuals attempting to avoid justice by acquiring foreign citizenship.