Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat has canceled Lalit Modi’s passport after revoking his citizenship. Modi sought Vanuatu citizenship to evade Indian authorities, facing allegations of embezzlement linked to his IPL tenure. India’s MEA is processing Modi’s surrender request for his Indian passport, reaffirming ongoing legal actions against him.
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, has ordered the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport, following the revocation of his citizenship. Modi, who attempted to evade Indian authorities, acquired citizenship in Vanuatu but is now facing increased scrutiny. India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Nita Bhushan, and other official representatives were instrumental in this decision.
Indian authorities are seeking Lalit Modi for alleged embezzlement of substantial funds during his time as the chief of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since leaving India in 2010, Modi has resided in London. Recently, he submitted a request to surrender his Indian passport, which has been acknowledged by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the surrender request is being processed in accordance with established protocols, while India remains committed to addressing the legal case against him.
Vanuatu, a nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, is strategically positioned between Australia and Fiji. Its capital city, Port Vila, is situated on the island of Efate. The country consists of 83 islands, of which 65 are inhabited. Vanuatu’s economy is largely supported by agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, with citizenship by investment programs allowing foreigners to acquire citizenship for a fee of approximately 1.5 million USD. The sale of passports serves as a vital revenue stream for the Vanuatu government.
In summary, Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s directive to revoke Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport reflects a significant step in the pursuit of justice by Indian authorities. Modi’s request to surrender his Indian passport and Vanuatu’s role in hosting him underscores the complexities surrounding international law enforcement and citizenship policies. Vanuatu’s economic reliance on citizenship by investment further emphasizes the implications of such high-profile cases.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
