Prime Minister Jotham Napat of Vanuatu has canceled Lalit Modi’s passport following the revocation of his citizenship, as Modi faces serious allegations of embezzlement in India. The intervention of India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand has been crucial in this action. Vanuatu’s economy benefits significantly from its citizenship by investment program, allowing foreigners to acquire citizenship for a fee.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, has issued a directive for the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport, following the revocation of his citizenship. Modi, a fugitive who sought Vanuatu citizenship to evade Indian law, faces allegations of embezzling substantial funds during his tenure as the Indian Premier League (IPL) chief. His case has garnered attention due to India’s high Commissioner to New Zealand, Nita Bhushan, and officials from various island nations contributing to this decision.
Lalit Modi left India in 2010 and has resided in London since then. He recently submitted a request to surrender his Indian passport, which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed was received by the Indian High Commission in London and will be processed according to standard protocols. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice against Modi.
Vanuatu, an archipelago located between Australia and Fiji, comprises 83 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. Its capital is Port Vila on the island of Efate. The economy of Vanuatu is predominantly reliant on agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Additionally, it allows citizenship by investment, enabling foreign nationals to obtain citizenship for around 1.5 million USD, making the sale of passports a significant revenue stream for the government.
The cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport by Prime Minister Jotham Napat marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings against Modi. This decision reflects international cooperation in addressing allegations of financial misconduct. Vanuatu’s citizenship policies also highlight the interplay of global finance and governance.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
