The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, has ordered the cancellation of the Vanuatu passport issued to former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi. This decision, made on March 10, 2025, follows significant international media discussions surrounding Modi's attempts to navigate legal challenges pertaining to extradition, particularly his recent applications concerning passport validity.
According to PM Napat’s statement, the immediate directive to the Citizenship Commission was issued with clear intent. "I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to immediately begin proceedings to cancel Mr. Modi’s Vanuatu passport," Napat said, highlighting the urgency of the matter. This action was influenced by revelations over the past 24 hours indicating serious concerns about Modi’s motivations for acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.
Modi has been under investigation by various Indian authorities for financial irregularities, including forex violations and allegations related to the embezzlement of substantial amounts during his tenure with the IPL, particularly involving a Rs 425-crore television rights deal for the 2009 IPL with World Sports Group. Modi's legal troubles have been compounded by his status as a fugitive who fled to the UK after attending only one interrogation session back in 2010.
Significantly, Indian law enforcement has sought to extradite Modi for years, repeatedly requesting international assistance. Yet, as Napat noted, "While all standard background checks, including Interpol screenings, conducted during his application showed no criminal convictions, I have been made aware...that Interpol twice rejected Indian authorities' requests to issue an alert notice on Mr. Modi due to lack of substantive judicial evidence. Any such alert would have triggered an automatic rejection of Mr. Modi’s citizenship application." This statement casts doubt on Modi's legitimacy as a citizen of Vanuatu under current scrutiny related to extradition.
Lalit Modi's recent application to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London, made on March 7, reflects his attempts to formalize his status as he acquires citizenship of Vanuatu. The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed, “Lalit Modi has made an application for surrendering his passport... We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law.” This declaration emphasizes India's continued legal efforts to bring Modi back to face justice.
The PM also reinforced the principle behind Vanuatu's citizenship protocols, stating, "None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts brought to light clearly indicate was Mr. Modi’s intention." This remark points to the Vanuatu government's commitment to ensuring its citizenship policies are not misused by individuals seeking refuge from legal challenges.
Vanuatu has long attracted foreign investors through its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The process typically requires non-refundable donations or investments, with the minimum set at about $155,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore), categorizing it as one of the more accessible avenues for acquiring citizenship. This accessibility, paired with Modi's tumultuous history, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the vetting process used to screen applicants for citizenship.
Since acquiring citizenship, Modi has claimed there is no pending legal case against him. On March 8, he stated on social media, “No court of law in India has a case pending against me personally. It's only media fiction.” He remains adamant about his innocence, implying the allegations against him lack substance. Such public assertions, juxtaposed against the Vanuatu government's actions, create strong discourse concerning the integrity of both Indian and Vanuatu's legal systems.
To date, Modi's life since leaving India has been one characterized by evasion of legal responsibility, leaving authorities at home seeking clarity. His enduring presence outside of India complicates the situation, with Indian authorities expressing concern related to his movement within the international community.
Last week's developments have put significant pressure on Vanuatu, making it clear the government is attuned to the reputational risk posed by affiliate figures like Modi, particularly as he tries to leverage the nation’s citizenship for personal gain. With the emphasis on vetting and accountability, it could lead to changes within Vanuatu’s CBI program reflecting lessons learned from the scrutiny surrounding Modi's case.
India will undoubtedly continue to monitor this situation closely as it actively seeks Modi’s return, balancing the need for justice with diplomatic relations. The coming days may reveal more information as both governments navigate the political and legal stakes involved.