The Vanuatu government has moved to cancel the passport of Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, following revelations that he may have obtained citizenship to avoid extradition. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office, comes just days after Modi stated he wanted to surrender his Indian passport after acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.
Why is Lalit Modi’s Passport Being Canceled?
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu issued a statement on Monday directing the Citizenship Commission to immediately begin proceedings to revoke Modi’s citizenship. According to Napat, the government was alerted that Interpol had twice rejected India’s requests for an alert notice against Modi, citing lack of substantive judicial evidence. If an Interpol Red Notice had been issued, Modi’s citizenship application would have been automatically rejected under Vanuatu’s rules.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat directs the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Lalit Modi. pic.twitter.com/ffNLBCojkb
"None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts brought to light clearly indicate was Mr. Modi’s intention," the statement read.
The decision suggests that Vanuatu is now distancing itself from Modi, who has been described as an economic offender by Indian investigative agencies.
Modi has been under investigation in India for alleged violations of foreign exchange laws and a Rs 425 crore television rights deal for the 2009 IPL season with World Sports Group. After attending only one interrogation session with the Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai, he fled to the United Kingdom in May 2010 and has since been residing there.
Despite repeated attempts by Indian authorities to bring him back, Modi has remained abroad, fighting multiple legal battles while continuing to maintain a high-profile lifestyle.
Last week, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed that Modi had applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission of India in London. However, the Indian government has indicated that it will carefully examine the application under existing rules and procedures before making any decision.
"We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law," Jaiswal stated.
Why Did Modi Choose Vanuatu for Citizenship?
Vanuatu is a small Pacific island nation with a population of around 300,000 people. The country gained independence from France and Britain in 1980 and is known for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
Under this scheme, individuals can acquire Vanuatu citizenship by making a non-refundable donation or investment. The minimum investment required for a single applicant is $155,000 (around Rs 1.3 crore), making it one of the most affordable and easiest citizenship programs available worldwide.
Many high-net-worth individuals have used Vanuatu’s CBI program to obtain a second passport, often for tax benefits or ease of travel. However, in Modi’s case, it appears to have been a strategic move to avoid extradition, which ultimately backfired.
With Vanuatu moving to cancel Modi’s passport, his legal position becomes more complicated. If his Vanuatu citizenship is revoked, he may lose the protection he hoped to gain through a second passport. It could also increase pressure on UK authorities to reconsider his residency status.
Additionally, India may use this development to renew its efforts to bring Modi back and push for extradition proceedings from the UK.
For now, Lalit Modi remains in London, but his legal troubles appear far from over. The coming weeks will determine whether he faces further legal consequences or finds another way to evade extradition.