The article discusses Lalit Modi’s controversial citizenship status, detailing his founding of the IPL and subsequent relocation to London amid fraud allegations. It highlights his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship and its subsequent cancellation by Prime Minister Jotham Napat following an Interpol request from India. The implications of his lost citizenships leave Modi in a precarious situation.
Lalit Modi has gained notoriety as a prominent figure in the cricket world, primarily for founding the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, which has since emerged as the fifth most-watched sporting league globally. Despite his significant contributions, he faced numerous controversies and allegations of fraud, prompting him to relocate to London in 2010, where he has resided ever since.
In 2025, as reported by India Today, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced that Lalit Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport and is believed to have acquired citizenship from Vanuatu. Jaiswal stated, “We are also given to understand that he (Lalit Modi) has acquired citizenship of Vanuatu. We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law.”
Vanuatu, an archipelago consisting of approximately 80 islands located in the South Pacific, offers a citizenship program that attracts wealthy individuals. The cost of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is around Rs. 1.3 crore, with an expedited process allowing applicants to receive a passport within a month without visiting the country. Notably, Vanuatu is considered a tax haven due to its lack of income, corporate, or wealth taxes.
Following the acquisition of his Vanuatu citizenship, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport. He stated that the decision was influenced by requests from Indian authorities for an Interpol alert, which was dismissed for insufficient evidence. Prime Minister Napat emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and highlighted the necessity for applicants to provide valid reasons for their citizenship.
As the situation evolves, Lalit Modi finds himself in a precarious position, having relinquished his Indian citizenship and now lost Vanuatu’s as well, leaving his future uncertain. This development raises questions regarding the implications of his citizenship status and how he will navigate the controversies surrounding him.
In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s journey from establishing the IPL to losing his Indian and Vanuatu citizenship has garnered significant attention. His controversial past, coupled with current legal challenges, continues to pose critical questions about the legitimacy of citizenship programs and their potential exploitation. The future remains uncertain for Modi as he faces legal scrutiny from Indian authorities.
Original Source: www.bollywoodshaadis.com
