Lalit Modi Acquires Vanuatu Citizenship, Seeks Passport Surrender
The MEA announced that Lalit Modi has obtained Vanuatu citizenship and is surrendering his Indian passport. The ministry continues legal actions against him for alleged financial crimes. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Moscow for Foreign Office consultations reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlighted by recent meetings between Indian and Russian officials.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, has acquired citizenship of Vanuatu and has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the ministry is investigating all legal cases against him.
Mr. Jaiswal remarked, “It is learnt that Mr. Lalit Modi has made an application for surrender of his passport… The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures.” He also reiterated that the ministry would continue to pursue the case against Mr. Modi as per legal requirements.
Lalit Modi, who formerly served as vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), faces serious allegations including bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). He fled India in 2010 amid investigations into financial irregularities involving unauthorized fund transfers.
In a related matter, the MEA provided updates regarding Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Moscow. Jaiswal noted that the visit involves Foreign Office consultations covering topics such as political relations and economic partnerships, stating, “When you have Foreign Office consultation, all aspects of the relationship… are discussed.”
Furthermore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg. The discussions encompassed advancements in bilateral cooperation and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. After the meeting, Jaishankar expressed on social media: “Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov… Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation.”
The MEA continues to emphasize its commitment to addressing the legal matters concerning Lalit Modi while ensuring productive diplomatic discussions between India and Russia.
The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship and his passport surrender application. Allegations against him include severe financial misconduct. Concurrently, MEA officials maintain active diplomatic relations through routine Foreign Office consultations, further strengthened by discussions between the External Affairs Minister and Russian counterparts regarding bilateral relations and geopolitical issues.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
Post Comment