New Delhi: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology to the Indian government days after a controversial video featuring him alongside liquor baron Vijay Mallya went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism and political attention.
The apology came shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India remains committed to bringing back all economic offenders and fugitives who are currently abroad.
This is how Fugitives Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya are making mockery of Indian Govt and Judiciary. pic.twitter.com/ckAm9P0TD9
— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) December 23, 2025
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Lalit Modi said he had no intention of hurting sentiments, particularly those of the Government of India. He claimed his remarks were misunderstood and taken out of context.
“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian Government, for whom I have the highest respect and regard. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again, my deepest apologies,” Lalit Modi wrote.
I apologise if I have hurt anyone feelings especially the Indian Government who I have the highest respect and regard for. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again my deepest apologies
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) December 29, 2025
The apology follows widespread backlash over a video recorded at Vijay Mallya’s birthday celebration abroad. In the now-viral clip, Lalit Modi is heard introducing himself and Mallya as “the two biggest fugitives of India,” a remark that triggered outrage online.
The video was shared by Lalit Modi himself on Instagram with the caption: “Let’s break the internet down in India again. Happy birthday, my friend #VijayMallya. Love u.” The post quickly went viral, with social media users accusing both men of mocking India’s legal and judicial system.
The video resurfaced at a time when the Indian government has been publicly emphasising its resolve to pursue and extradite economic offenders who fled the country to evade legal proceedings. The MEA’s recent remarks on tracking fugitives abroad added to the sensitivity surrounding the incident.
Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya have been living overseas for years while facing multiple investigations and cases in India related to financial irregularities and alleged economic offences.
While Lalit Modi has now sought to distance himself from the controversy through his apology, the episode has reignited public debate over high-profile fugitives, accountability, and the challenges India faces in securing their return.
