Lalit Modi Surrenders Indian Passport, Secures Vanuatu Citizenship…

Lalit Modi surrenders his Indian passport and gains citizenship in Vanuatu, confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which continues legal proceedings against him. Modi faces serious allegations related to financial misconduct. Additionally, Indian officials engage in diplomatic dialogues with Russia concerning bilateral cooperation and ongoing geopolitical issues.

Lalit Modi, the former head of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has officially surrendered his Indian passport and acquired citizenship in Vanuatu, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that they are aware of his application submitted at the High Commission in London, and they will continue pursuing legal actions against him under applicable laws.

Modi, who formerly held the position of vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been implicated in several serious allegations including bid-rigging, money laundering, and breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999. He has been outside India since 2010 while evading investigations concerning fiduciary irregularities and unauthorized financial transactions.

In related news, the MEA also addressed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s ongoing visit to Moscow intended for Foreign Office consultations. These discussions encompass a variety of topics critical to bilateral relations, which include political, economic, and energy matters. A spokesperson provided that insights would be disclosed post-meet, reaffirming it as a customary diplomatic engagement.

In a prior meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg to evaluate the status of collaboration between India and Russia. They exchanged views on issues such as the Ukraine conflict and Lavrov’s recent discussions in Riyadh. Jaishankar communicated his satisfaction in sustaining dialogue on these important matters through a post on social media.

Furthermore, concerning the geopolitical landscape, discussions have emerged regarding potential large-scale sanctions and tariffs against Russia in response to its ongoing actions, with calls for immediate negotiation to avert further escalation of conflict, especially in light of tensions concerning Ukraine.

In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s recent move to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu and the surrender of his Indian passport highlights ongoing legal challenges he faces in India, alongside continued vigilance from the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, the MEA’s diplomatic efforts with Russia, as evidenced by Foreign Secretary Misri’s consultation visit and Jaishankar’s meeting with Lavrov, emphasize India’s commitment to its international relations amid complex geopolitical tensions.

Original Source: english.jagran.com