New Delhi [India], July 22 (Click Hind): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday stated that India continues to press the United Kingdom for the extradition of fugitives Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, and Vijay Mallya as part of its ongoing efforts to bring them back to face legal proceedings.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK and the Maldives, Misri confirmed that the issue remains a topic of bilateral discussion.
“There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and justice who are currently in the UK. These have been under discussion between both sides, and we have continued to make the case for their extradition. Of course, these matters follow legal processes in the host country, and we are closely coordinating with our UK counterparts,” he said.
All three individuals face serious financial fraud charges in India:
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Lalit Modi, former IPL commissioner and ex-vice president of the BCCI, is accused of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). He fled India in 2010 amid investigations into financial irregularities.
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Vijay Mallya, the liquor baron and former owner of Kingfisher Airlines, is facing extradition over alleged loan defaults exceeding ₹9,000 crore. He has been living in London since he fled India.
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Nirav Modi, currently in custody in the UK, is the key accused in the ₹13,800 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. Declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019, his extradition has already been approved by the UK High Court.
Misri also highlighted India’s concerns over the activities of Khalistani extremists in the UK. He emphasized that the presence of such groups poses challenges not just to India but also to the UK’s social fabric.
“This is not just a concern for us—it should also concern our partners, as it impacts social cohesion and order in their societies as well,” Misri noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the UK and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. The UK visit follows an invitation from newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu.
