Lalit Modi Acquires Vanuatu Citizenship; India Vows to Pursue Legal Case

8th March 2025 at 10:50 AM

1 minute read

Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London, confirmed External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Addressing the ongoing legal dispute, the MEA stated that India is aware of Mr. Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship. The businessman, wanted in India for tax evasion and embezzlement, has lived in London for over a decade despite India’s extradition requests.

Mr. Jaiswal noted that the application to renounce Indian citizenship will be reviewed while legal proceedings against Mr. Modi continue. India has also raised the issue of other fugitives, including Vijay Mallya, in discussions with the U.K. government.

Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, offers citizenship under its ‘golden passport’ scheme, reportedly priced at around $150,000. The program has gained global attention for attracting wealthy individuals seeking alternative citizenship.