Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu Citizenship Revoked
On Monday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat directed the country’s Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport of former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi. This decision came shortly after Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London.
India’s Role in the Cancellation
According to a report by News18, Neeta Bhushan, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, along with a delegation from other island nations, played a key role in ensuring that Vanuatu revoked Modi’s citizenship.
Allegations of Evading Extradition
PM Napat accused Modi of using Vanuatu’s citizenship as a means to evade extradition. “I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to immediately begin proceedings to cancel Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport,” the Prime Minister said in an official statement.
Interpol’s Rejection of India’s Request
The statement further revealed that Interpol had rejected India’s request to issue an alert notice against Modi twice, citing a lack of substantive judicial evidence. Had such an alert been issued earlier, Modi’s citizenship application would have been automatically rejected, Napat pointed out.
Citizenship is a ‘Privilege, Not a Right’
Napat emphasized that Modi’s application underwent a standard background check, which did not indicate any criminal charges. However, he reaffirmed that citizenship in Vanuatu is “a privilege, not a right,” reinforcing his government’s decision.
Lalit Modi’s Legal Troubles Continue
Lalit Modi is wanted by Indian authorities over alleged embezzlement of large sums during his tenure as IPL commissioner. Having left India in 2010, he has since been living in London. On March 7, he applied to surrender his Indian passport, a move confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India’s Next Steps
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, stated that Modi’s passport surrender application would be examined as per existing rules and procedures. “We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law,” Jaiswal added, signaling that the Indian government remains committed to legal proceedings against the businessman.
