Lalit Modi has surrendered his Indian passport and acquired Vanuatu citizenship, with ongoing legal actions against him confirmed by the MEA. Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary is in Moscow for routine consultations, and bilateral discussions between India and Russia focus on cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. Significant sanctions against Russia are also being considered amid complex international relations.

Lalit Modi, the former IPL chief, has officially surrendered his Indian passport and acquired citizenship in Vanuatu, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal. He noted that while Modi’s application for passport surrender is under consideration, the legal actions against him continue to be pursued rigorously. The MEA will examine his citizenship acquisition in accordance with existing laws and procedures while keeping their investigations ongoing.

Lalit Modi previously held the position of vice-president at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He faces serious allegations, including bid-rigging and money laundering, alongside violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999. Modi fled India in 2010 amidst a financial misconduct investigation involving unauthorized fund transfers, which has led to ongoing legal scrutiny against him.

In a related briefing, the MEA addressed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Moscow, highlighting that such Foreign Office consultations cover a range of topics, including political and economic relations, and energy partnerships. Jaiswal expressed optimism that a more detailed account of the consultations will be available following their conclusion, reiterating that this meeting stands as a routine diplomatic engagement after the last discussions held in Delhi at the end of 2023.

Previously, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg. They focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and discussed the Ukraine conflict, referencing Lavrov’s recent negotiations in Riyadh. Jaishankar shared on social media his satisfaction at continuing dialogues aimed at fostering India-Russia relations and addressing pressing global issues, indicating an ongoing commitment to remain engaged.

In broader geopolitical contexts, potential significant sanctions and tariffs on Russia have been discussed as a reaction to ongoing tensions, particularly following recent disputes involving the U.S. and Ukraine. These discussions reflect the unpredictability of international relations amid complex diplomatic landscapes, necessitating strategic dialogue to prevent escalations between conflicting parties.

In summary, Lalit Modi has surrendered his Indian passport while acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu, prompting legal pursuit from Indian authorities. Concurrently, ongoing Foreign Office consultations between India and Russia are reinforcing bilateral ties amid discussions on the Ukraine conflict. The geopolitical landscape remains volatile, with significant sanctions against Russia posed as a potential measure in response to escalating tensions.

Original Source: english.jagran.com

Related posts:

India and China Pursue Positive Relationship After Troop Disengagement MEA Condemns Security Breach During Jaishankar’s UK Visit U.S.-Russia Dialogue on Ukraine Peace Involves Controversial Claims and Diplomatic Renewal India Views Trump Administration’s Policies as Favourable for Bilateral Relations