After Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya Taunt in Viral Video, India Reiterates Commitment to Bring Back Fugitives

India has reiterated its determination to bring back economic offenders wanted by Indian law, days after a video featuring Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya triggered criticism and renewed debate over extradition delays.

The video, briefly shared on Instagram before being deleted, showed the two men together, with Lalit Modi referring to himself and Mallya as the "two biggest fugitives of India", a remark that was widely seen as a taunt aimed at Indian authorities.

Video Sparks Political and Public Reaction

In the now-removed clip, Lalit Modi was heard making the remark while standing alongside Mallya. The accompanying caption added to the provocation, suggesting the post was meant to "break the internet" and inviting viewers to watch "with envy".

The post drew sharp reactions online, with critics questioning why two high-profile economic offenders continue to live openly abroad despite long-running extradition efforts. Both men are based in the United Kingdom and frequently post images and videos on social media showing a lavish lifestyle, which has fuelled public frustration in India.

MEA Says Talks Ongoing With Foreign Governments

Responding to questions on the matter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains firm on its position.

"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," Jaiswal said.

He added that such cases involve complex legal procedures across jurisdictions. "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," he said.

Background on Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya

Lalit Modi, 62, left India in 2010 after facing allegations of tax evasion, money laundering and financial irregularities linked to the Indian Premier League, which he helped establish. He was declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019.

Vijay Mallya, 69, the former chairman of United Breweries and promoter of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fled India in 2016 amid allegations of fraud and loan defaults. Indian banks claim he owes around Rs 9,000 crore. He too was declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019.

While extradition proceedings continue in courts abroad, the recent video has once again placed the spotlight on India's prolonged legal battle to bring back some of its most high-profile financial offenders.