How MEA Responded To Lalit Modi And Vijay Mallya's 'Biggest Fugitives of India' Remark In Viral Video

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reacted after a recently released video featuring Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya in London ignited backlash on social media. In a press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson

Randhir Jaiswal said the government is "committed" to bringing back all fugitives. "We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives, who are wanted by law in India, they return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on," he said. "In several of these cases, there are several layers of legalities involved. But we remain committed to bringing them back to the country so that they can face trial before the courts here," Jaiswal added.Also Read: Lalit Modi Calls Himself, Vijay Mallya 'Biggest Fugitives of India' in Viral Birthday Video - Watch

Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya's viral birthday video

A video showing former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi partying with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London sparked fresh criticism on social media, with many calling it a taunt directed at Indian authorities. In the video, which surfaced online on Tuesday, Modi can be heard sarcastically introducing himself and Mallya as the “biggest fugitives of India.” The remark has been widely interpreted as mocking India, which has been pursuing their extradition for years.Lalit Modi shared the clip on his Instagram account, captioning it, “Let’s break the internet down in India again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya. Love u.” The post drew sharp reactions, with users accusing the two men of openly ridiculing the Indian government. One comment read, “What a mockery they have made of the Indian government.”Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The businessman, accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments and facing money laundering charges, left India in March 2016. Lalit Modi left India in 2010 amid investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to the IPL.Both have been living in the United Kingdom since leaving India.