Sat Dec 27 01:33:41 UTC 2025: Summary:

On December 26, 2025, India reaffirmed its commitment to bringing back economic fugitives Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya to face legal proceedings. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the media following a controversial social media video featuring Modi joking about their fugitive status at Mallya’s 70th birthday party in London. While acknowledging the legal complexities and ongoing discussions with various governments, Jaiswal emphasized India’s determination to bring the wanted individuals back to the country for trial. Mallya is wanted in India for a ₹9,000 crore default linked to Kingfisher Airlines, while Modi faces accusations of money laundering and FEMA violations.

News Article:

India Vows to Bring Back Fugitives Modi and Mallya

New Delhi – December 27, 2025 – The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to extraditing economic fugitives Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya from abroad to face the law in India. The statement, made by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Friday, December 26th, comes after a controversial video surfaced online showing Modi joking about their status as wanted individuals.

The now-deleted video, reportedly filmed at a 70th birthday party for Mallya in London, sparked outrage in India and prompted renewed scrutiny of the government’s efforts to bring the two men to justice.

“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives, who are wanted by law in India, return to the country,” stated Jaiswal. He acknowledged the complexities of the legal processes involved and confirmed that the government is in ongoing discussions with multiple countries regarding the extradition efforts.

“Processes are on,” Jaiswal added. “In several of these cases, there are several layers of legalities involved. But we remain committed to bring them back to the country so that they can face trials before courts here.”

Vijay Mallya fled to the United Kingdom in 2016 and is wanted in India over a ₹9,000 crore default owed to several banks by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Lalit Modi is also wanted by Indian authorities on charges of money laundering and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

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