Lalit Modi applies to surrender Indian passport

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday. Modi, who has been living in London since 2010 amid allegations of financial misconduct, submitted his application at the High Commission of India in London, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

“Lalit Modi has made an application for surrendering his passport at the High Commission of India, London. The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures. We are also given to understand that he has acquired citizenship of Vanuatu,” Jaiswal stated. He further emphasised that despite this development, Indian authorities would continue pursuing legal proceedings against Modi as per the law.

Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its investor-friendly citizenship programmes. Lalit Modi, a former vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), faces multiple allegations, including bid-rigging, money laundering and violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

He left India in 2010 amid an investigation into financial irregularities, including unauthorised fund transfers, and has remained overseas ever since. His decision to surrender his Indian passport and take up foreign citizenship raises new questions about the legal battle surrounding his case.