New Delhi
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday said that India continues to push for the extradition of Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, and Vijay Mallya from the United Kingdom. These individuals are wanted in India for separate financial fraud cases. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK and Maldives, Misri stated that extradition efforts are ongoing and have been regularly discussed between Indian and UK authorities.
He explained that while legal processes in the UK take time, India is consistently following up with its British counterparts. All three fugitives had fled to London to avoid facing legal action in India. Lalit Modi, former BCCI vice-president, is accused of financial irregularities, including bid-rigging, money laundering, and FEMA violations. He left India in 2010 while under investigation.
Vijay Mallya, the liquor baron, faces charges related to loan defaults worth over ₹9,000 crore and has been the subject of long-standing extradition efforts. Nirav Modi, prime accused in the ₹13,800 crore Punjab National Bank scam, was arrested in London in 2019. He has already been declared a fugitive economic offender by Indian authorities, and the UK High Court has approved his extradition.
Misri also raised concerns about the activities of Khalistani extremist groups in the UK. He said India has conveyed its worries to the British government, noting that such groups pose threats to both Indian interests and social harmony in the UK.
Prime Minister Modi will be on a two-nation tour from July 23 to 26, visiting the UK on the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India and the UK share a strong, growing partnership built on trade, defence, education, technology, and innovation. He highlighted regular high-level talks and noted the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2021. Misri praised the Indian diaspora’s role and raised concerns about Khalistani groups. PM Modi will visit the UK and Maldives from July 23–26.