Where Is Vanuatu Island? Why is Lalit Modi’s Passport Getting Canceled?

Vanuatu is a country located in the southwestern Pacific, consisting of 13 major islands and many smaller islands. It is located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of Fiji and 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) east of Australia. The islands extend northward to the south about 400 miles (650 kilometers) to form irregular Y shapes.

Island composition:

  • The northernmost group: The Torres Islands form the northern border.
  • Banks Islands Group: South of Torres, the main islands include Vanua Lava and Santa Maria (GAOA).
  • Main Islands: Moving south, the main islands are Espiritu Santo (the largest), Aoba (Ambae), Maéwo, Maéwo, Pentecost, Malakula, Ambrym, épi, épi, éfaté (Capital, Villa Port-Vila, located in location), Ermango, Tanna, Tanna and Anatom.
  • Southeastern Islands: About 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Atum are two uninhabited islands, Hunter and Matthew, which is claimed by Vanuatu and France (as part of New Caledonia).

Topographic and geological activities:

The islands are available in a variety of reliefs, including solid mountains, high and rolling plateaus, coastal terraces and offshore coral reefs. Geology is largely sedimentary and coral limestone and volcanic rock. The area is unstable in earthquakes and is supported by repeated earthquakes. Some of these islands support active volcanoes, such as Selma on the Lava Island of Vanua, Manaro on Oba, Garet of Santa Maria, Garet on benbow, Ambrym and Marum and Yasur on Tanna. There are undersea volcanoes on several islands as well as Solfatalas/Fuma Island. The highest summit is Tabwémasana, which hits 6,165 feet (1,879 meters) on the Espiritu Santo.

climate:

Vanuatu has two main seasons: the hot and humid seasons between November and April, and the cool drought between May and October. Southeast trade winds dominate, but north winds in the hot season cause heavy rain. The annual rainfall ranges from about 80 inches (2,000 mm) to about 160 inches (4,000 mm) to the northern islands.

Vegetation and wildlife:

Much of the archipelago is covered by dense rainforests, with drier areas dominated by patches of the Savannah grassland. Compared to sparse fauna, these islands have lush birds and insect life. There are about 10 species of bats in Vanuatu and 3 species in the region. Vanuatu also has crocodiles.

Cultural significance

Vanuatu dates back to around 1300 BC, when it was a group of settlers belonging to the Rapita culture. The original indigenous Ni-Vanuatu residents still maintain their culture through celebrations like the Toka Festival, thanks to the peace of the tribe. Another claim to Vanuatu’s reputation is their unique rituals, such as Naghol diving during Pentecost Island.

Investment Program Citizenship

Citizenship status granted through the Investment Program (CBI) program in exchange for non-refundable donations or investments. The plan has attracted attention recently as people try to use the case to evade allegations of legal action. Interestingly, both well-known Indian business tycoons Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi also filed an application or offer for citizenship that the Vanuatu government has questioned.

Lalit Modi’s citizenship cancellation

Lalit Modi, former chairman of the Indian Premier League, has been caught in a civic debate in Vanuatu. Reports show that Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has ordered the Citizens Commission to revoke Modi’s Vanuatu passport. The decision was based on revelation that Modi obtained Vanuatu citizenship to evade extradition to India and was accused of financial misconduct.

Modi has submitted an application to surrender his Indian passport at the London High Commission for India, which is currently under review. The Ministry of External Affairs of India confirmed that Modi had obtained Vanuatu citizenship and said they would continue to take legal action against him as required by law.

Vanuatu’s cancellation of Modi’s passport highlights the country’s position to ensure that its citizenship is not used as a means of evading legal liability. Prime Minister Napat stressed that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must have a legitimate reason to seek citizenship. Recent developments underscore Vanuatu’s commitment to maintaining integrity in its citizenship through investment programs.

Strengthen citizenship review

Following the Lalit Modi case, Vanuatu reiterated his commitment to conducting a rigorous background check on applicants for citizenship. The government has strengthened its due diligence process, including third-level agency inspections and Interpol verification to prevent abuse of its citizenship program. This approach reflects Vanuatu’s efforts to maintain its intact citizenship through investment programs.

Vanuatu is not only a beautiful island nation, but also a country that believes in the sovereignty and legitimacy of its citizenship program. Vanuatu is an interesting place to address global citizenship and cooperation issues in law, for those who care about their particular culture and environment.