‘Statement was misconstrued’: Lalit Modi apologises over ‘biggest fugitives’ video

Taking to X, Modi said his remarks were misconstrued and insisted that he holds the Indian government in high regard.

“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s 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,” Modi wrote.

The apology came after Modi shared a video from Vijay Mallya’s birthday celebration on Instagram. In the clip, Modi is heard saying, “We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India,” prompting sharp reactions online.

Captioning the post, Modi had written, “Let me do something to break the internet down again. Something for you folks. Watch your heart out with envy (sic).”

The video quickly drew criticism, with many social media users accusing the duo of openly mocking Indian law enforcement agencies and the justice system.

Responding to the controversy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that India remains committed to bringing back all individuals wanted by law to face trial.

MEA’s statement came after the Instagram post — later deleted by Modi — sparked outrage for what appeared to be a taunt directed at Indian authorities.

Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya are facing multiple legal cases in India and have been living abroad for several years.

Modi, 62, left India in 2010 following 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. He was also declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019 and is accused of owing Indian banks around ₹9,000 crore.