Sat Mar 08 03:55:59 UTC 2025: ## Fugitive Lalit Modi Seeks to Surrender Indian Passport
**London, March 8, 2025** – Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a fugitive wanted in India for tax evasion and embezzlement, has applied to surrender his Indian passport, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry (MEA). The application, submitted to the Indian High Commission in London, comes as Mr. Modi continues to reside in the UK despite India’s decade-long pursuit of his extradition.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the application, stating that the request will be reviewed. Mr. Jaiswal emphasized that India remains committed to pursuing legal action against Mr. Modi. The Indian government has repeatedly raised Mr. Modi’s case, along with that of other fugitives like Vijay Mallya, during diplomatic discussions with the UK government.
Reports indicate that Mr. Modi, who reportedly obtained citizenship in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu – a country known for its citizenship-by-investment program costing approximately $150,000 – will continue to live in London. The Indian government’s efforts to secure Mr. Modi’s return to face charges remain ongoing.
First Piper 