Lalit Modi wishes to surrender Indian passport, acquires Vanuatu citizenship

Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) now labelled an economic offender by Indian investigative agencies, has expressed his intent to surrender his Indian passport. He has also obtained citizenship of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, as reported in the Indian Express.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s ministry of external affairs, confirmed the development on Friday, saying, "Lalit Modi has submitted an application to relinquish his passport at the Indian High Commission in London. This request will be reviewed in accordance with existing regulations and procedures.

"We have also been informed that he has acquired Vanuatu citizenship. Legal proceedings against him will continue as per the law."

Modi, regarded as the mastermind behind the IPL, has been under investigation for alleged foreign exchange violations and a Rs 425 crore television rights deal with World Sports Group for the 2009 IPL season.

After attending a single round of questioning by the income tax department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai over forex violations, he left for the United Kingdom in May 2010 and has remained there since.

In 2008, Modi played a key role in launching the IPL, blending cricket with entertainment to create a globally recognised T20 league. The following year, when the tournament was moved to South Africa owing to general elections in India, he demonstrated the league's immense marketability even beyond Indian borders.

Following the IPL 2010 final, Modi was suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over allegations of misconduct, financial irregularities, and improper handling of franchise bids for Pune and Kochi. A formal investigation was initiated, culminating in a lifetime ban imposed on him in 2013 after a committee found him guilty.

Despite living in London, Modi has consistently maintained his innocence in multiple interviews. In 2015, a special Mumbai court issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest in connection with an ED-registered money laundering case.

Vanuatu, an archipelago of over 80 islands in the South Pacific, has a population of roughly 300,000. The country gained independence from British and French rule in 1980.

Through its Citizenship by Investment programme, individuals can obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution or investment. The Capital Investment Immigration Plan allows single applicants to secure citizenship for USD 155,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore), making it one of the most affordable routes to a second passport.

With agency inputs