Lalit Modi has surrendered his Indian passport and acquired Vanuatu citizenship, confirmed by the MEA, which continues legal actions against him. Modi, embroiled in allegations of financial misconduct, has been out of India since 2010. The MEA also covered Foreign Secretary Misri’s Moscow visit and Jaishankar’s discussions with Lavrov on bilateral ties and the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Trump threatens sanctions on Russia in response to tensions with Ukraine.
Former IPL chief Lalit Modi has officially surrendered his Indian passport and acquired citizenship of Vanuatu, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed awareness of his application for passport surrender and reiterated the government’s intention to pursue all legal actions against him.
Lalit Modi, who once held the vice-presidential position at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), faces allegations of bid-rigging, money laundering, and breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. He fled India in 2010 amidst investigations into financial misconduct, including unauthorized fund transfers.
In a separate context, the MEA provided updates regarding Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Russia. This trip entails Foreign Office consultations, where all dimensions of the bilateral relationship—including political, economic, and energy partnerships—will be addressed. Jaiswal emphasized the regular nature of these consultations, with the last one having occurred in Delhi at the end of 2023.
Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg, discussing the progress of India-Russia cooperation alongside developments in the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar expressed his intent to maintain communication with Lavrov regarding continuing issues.
Observing the geopolitical landscape, former President Donald Trump has hinted at implementing large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia amid strained relations with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, demonstrating the unpredictability of international diplomacy.
In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship raises questions about ongoing legal proceedings against him in India. The Ministry of External Affairs remains committed to pursuing these cases while maintaining diplomatic engagements, exemplified by the recent dialogues between India and Russia. Geopolitical tensions also loom as former President Trump’s potential sanctions against Russia highlight the fragility of international relations.
Original Source: english.jagran.com
