BREAKING : Vanuatu PM Orders Cancellation of Lalit Modi’s Passport Amid Extradition Row

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, alleging he sought citizenship to avoid extradition from India. The decision, announced on Monday, comes days after Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport. Indian agencies have long pursued him for alleged financial irregularities.

In a media release, Napat confirmed the cancellation order, effective immediately. He cited recent information that Interpol rejected India’s requests for an alert on Modi due to insufficient evidence. This revelation prompted Vanuatu to reconsider Modi’s citizenship status.

Napat stated, “None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts clearly indicate was Mr Modi’s intention.” He stressed that a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a tool to evade justice. The move underscores tightened scrutiny under the nation’s Citizenship by Investment program.

Last week, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Lalit Modi has made an application for surrendering his passport in the High Commission of India, London.” He added, “We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law.” Modi’s surrender request is under review per existing rules.

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Modi, once the architect of the IPL, faces probes for forex violations and a Rs 425-crore TV rights deal from 2009. He fled to the UK in 2010 after one interrogation session with the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax officials. Indian authorities have since sought his extradition.

Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation of over 80 islands, offers citizenship for a $155,000 investment. Modi acquired it through this program, sparking debate after his Indian passport surrender bid. The country, independent since 1980, has a population of about 300,000.

Meanwhile, India celebrated a separate triumph on Sunday as Rohit Sharma led the team to a four-wicket win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Sunil Gavaskar’s viral dance moves marked the third title victory for India in the tournament’s history.

Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission will now proceed with the cancellation process, potentially limiting Modi’s travel options. India’s legal efforts to bring him back may intensify. Updates on Modi’s status and India’s extradition push are expected as the case develops further.