Lalit Modi's Nationality Row Explained: Why Vanuatu's PM Jotham Cancelled IPL Founder's Citizenship?

Lalit Modi is one of the most controversial Indian figures of recent times in the world. The man who was never associated with cricket in his teenage years or dreamt of becoming a cricketer made a decision in 2008 that changed world cricket forever. It was in 2008 when Lalit Modi laid the foundation of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the twenty-20 over format simply took the cricket world by storm. 

Lalit Modi's citizenship row explained: From acquiring Vanuatu's citizenship to its Prime Minister ordering the cancellation of his request

As of now, IPL is reportedly the fifth most-watched sporting league in the world after the NFL, EPL, MLB, and NBA. Despite leaving such a huge mark on cricket with IPL, Lalit Modi left India due to a series of controversies and alleged fraud cases. Several investigative agencies were behind him. However, the businessman went to London in 2010, and since then, he has been living there only.

Fast forward to 2025, according to a report in India Today, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal revealed that Lalit Modi has applied at London's High Commission to surrender his Indian passport. Further, in the same statement, Jaiswal also added that the Ministry knows that Lalit Modi has acquired Vanuatu's citizenship. An excerpt from the statement can be read as:

"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."

For the people wondering why Lalit Modi has chosen Vanuatu, here are a few details about the famous South Pacific Ocean nation, which is made up of around 80 islands. Vanuatu lies somewhere in the east of Australia and north of New Zealand. The independent country offers a golden passport program through which millionaires and billionaires can purchase Vanuatu's citizenship. According to an India Today report, a person must pay Rs. 1.3 crore in order to get Vanuatu's citizenship, and the entire documentation process can be done online.

In a period of just one month, one can get a passport from the Vanuatu government without even coming to the country. One of the biggest advantages of getting Vanuatu's citizenship is that it is a tax haven country that has no income, corporate or wealth tax. Amidst all the buzz around Vanuatu's citizenship, several investigative and security agencies have raised concern over exploiting such citizenship schemes through the hands of criminal syndicates. 

Vanuatu's Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, ordered the cancellation of Lalit Modi's passport due to Indian authorities

After Lalit Modi had taken the citizenship of Vanuatu and the news was all over the place, it was soon followed by an even bigger update. The update was from the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, who clearly stated that he had ordered the cancellation of Lalit Modi's passport. Citing reasons behind his strong decision, Jotham explained that the Indian authorities requested an Interpol alert, but it was rejected due to lack of evidence.

The Interpol request by the Indian authorities was enough to convince Vanuatu's Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, to cancel Lalit Modi's citizenship. Further, in the same statement, Napat clearly stated that Vanuatu's citizenship is a privilege and not a right. He also added that all the applicants should present legitimate reasons for citizenship. It will be interesting to see how things are going to unfold for Lalit Modi because he has reportedly already given up on his Indian citizenship and lost Vanuatu's nationality, which now makes him stand nowhere. 

What are your thoughts on this new controversy around Lalit Modi's citizenship? Let us know.

Also Read: Lalit Modi's Property Feud With Mother And Sister Reopens After He Named Son Ruchir As His Successor

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