New Delhi (India): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it is aware of former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s application to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission of India in London and acknowledged reports of his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that all cases against him would continue as per the law.
In a press briefing, Jaiswal said:
“We are aware of his application for surrendering his passport in the High Commission of India in London. The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures. We are also informed that he has acquired citizenship in Vanuatu. We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law.”
Lalit Modi, who was previously the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is accused of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). He left India in 2010 amid investigations for financial misconduct, including unauthorized fund transfers.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Moscow Visit: MEA Briefing
Meanwhile, the MEA also provided updates on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Moscow for Foreign Office consultations. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the visit is part of routine consultations between India and Russia covering a range of topics, including political relations, economic matters, energy partnership, and other key issues.
He stated:
“The Foreign Secretary is visiting Moscow for Foreign Office consultations. When you have Foreign Office consultations, all aspects of the relationship—political relations, economic matters, other issues, events, energy, partnership—are discussed. The meeting is ongoing.”
Jaiswal mentioned that further details would be provided once the discussions conclude. The previous Foreign Office consultations between the two nations were held in New Delhi towards the end of 2023.
Jaishankar-Lavrov Meeting in Johannesburg: Focus on India-Russia Ties and Ukraine Conflict
In a related development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg. They reviewed the progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation and discussed the Ukraine conflict, including Lavrov’s recent discussions in Riyadh.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote:
“Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg. Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation. Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch.”