Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced on March 10, 2025, the cancellation of the citizenship passport issued to Lalit Modi, the controversial former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman. This move marks another significant development in the complex legal saga surrounding Modi, who is currently wanted by the Indian government for alleged financial misconduct.
Just days before the cancellation, Modi submitted his application to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission located in London. Reports suggest Modi has been living there since fleeing India back in 2010 amid various allegations, including bid-rigging and money laundering. The allegations stem from his oversight of the IPL, where he was accused of manipulating auction processes and misusing broadcast rights.
During the announcement, Prime Minister Napat emphasized the importance of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship. "I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to immediately begin proceedings to cancel Mr Modi's Vanuatu passport. Holding such citizenship is a privilege, not a right; applicants must seek citizenship for legitimate reasons," Napat stated. Notably, he stressed, "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 statement reflects the increasing scrutiny the Vanuatu government has applied to its Citizenship by Investment Programme over the past few years.
Notably, prior to Modi's grant of citizenship, background checks were performed, which included Interpol screenings. These checks found no current criminal convictions. Nonetheless, Napat revealed he had recently been informed of two separate instances where Interpol had rejected requests from Indian authorities for notice alerts against Modi due to insufficient evidence. "Any such alert would have triggered an automatic rejection of Mr Modi's citizenship application," he explained, underlining the standards upheld by Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission.
The order to cancel Modi's passport came three days after Indian officials confirmed his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship, raising alarm within Indian law enforcement circles. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's commitment to pursuing legal actions against Modi, stating, "We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law," emphasizing the country’s determination to hold him accountable.
Since the news of his citizenship broke, the Indian government ramped up its attempts to extradite Modi, appealing to international law enforcement agencies to assist in securing his return to face the charges awaiting him back home. Despite Modi’s denial of the allegations, asserting on his social media account, "True facts. No court of law in India has a case pending against me personally; it’s only media fiction," his legal troubles remain layered within accusations of financial misconduct dating back to his years with the IPL.
The consequences of the cancellation could potentially complicate Modi's legal status and residency situation, as losing his Vanuatu citizenship may render him effectively stateless if his Indian passport is also withdrawn, hence making him an illegal alien within the UK.
Vanuatu has come under additional scrutiny and pressure recently, particularly after the European Union revoked its visa-free travel agreement last December, highlighting the issues concerning its citizenship programme. The overall tightening of due diligence within its Citizenship by Investment Programme reflects Vanuatu's response to international regulatory pressures, intending to prevent the exploitation of its citizenship offerings by individuals evading legal actions.
Historically, Modi's role as IPL chairman involved significant influence and notoriety, making him one of the most prominent figures associated with the league's growth and glamour. His interactions with high-profile individuals from Bollywood and the cricketing world positioned him within elite circles. Yet, these associations have become tainted by the serious allegations of financial irregularities and corrupt practices loyal to the IPL’s explosive growth.
The revocation of his passport implies not only significant legal ramifications for Modi but also raises questions about the future of Vanuatu's international relations as the nation navigates the delicate balance of granting citizenship whilst ensuring those holding it are not implicated individuals fleeing legal scrutiny.
With Modi's dramatic exit from India and complex legal standing now at the forefront of international discussions, the case continues to evolve. It remains to be seen how the larger narrative will shape both Modi’s future and Vanuatu's position on the global stage concerning citizenship and legal accountability.