Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat has revoked Lalit Modi’s citizenship and cancelled his passport due to his status as a fugitive eluding Indian authorities. This decision follows pressure from Indian officials, including the High Commissioner in New Zealand. Modi is facing charges of embezzlement, having fled India in 2010. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program remains a key economic component.
Lalit Modi, a fugitive who acquired Vanuatu citizenship to escape Indian law, has had his citizenship revoked by Prime Minister Jotham Napat. The Prime Minister has ordered the cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport in light of pressure from Indian authorities. India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Nita Bhushan, played a pivotal role in influencing this decision alongside officials from other island nations.
Modi is wanted in India for alleged embezzlement during his time as the IPL chief and has been living in London since 2010. Recently, he applied to surrender his Indian passport, which the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed had been received at the Indian High Commission in London. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the surrender will be processed according to current regulations, affirming India’s commitment to pursuing the case against Modi.
Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific, located between Australia and Fiji, with its capital at Port Vila on the island of Efate. The nation consists of 83 islands, 65 of which are inhabited, and its economy heavily relies on agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Furthermore, Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship for a fee of around 1.5 million USD, making the sale of passports a vital source of revenue for the government.
In summary, the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport marks a significant step in efforts by Indian authorities to apprehend him for alleged financial misconduct. Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s directive, influenced by diplomatic discussions, highlights the international nature of this case. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment scheme continues to be a contentious issue as countries grapple with the implications of such citizenship on law enforcement and international relationships.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
