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

Vanuatu is a country situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, composed of a chain of 13 principal islands and numerous smaller ones. It lies approximately 500 miles (800 km) west of Fiji and 1,100 miles (1,770 km) east of Australia. The islands extend north to south for about 400 miles (650 km), forming an irregular Y shape.

Island Composition:

• Northernmost Group: The Torres Islands form the northern boundary.
• Banks Islands Group: South of the Torres, the main islands include Vanua Lava and Santa Maria (Gaua).
• Main Islands: Moving southward, the principal islands are Espiritu Santo (the largest), Aoba (Ambae), Maéwo, Pentecost, Malakula, Ambrym, Épi, Éfaté (where the capital, Port-Vila, is located), Erromango, Tanna, and Anatom.
• Southeastern Islands: About 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Anatom are two uninhabited islands, Hunter and Matthew, which are claimed by both Vanuatu and France (as part of New Caledonia).

Terrain and Geological Activity:

The islands have a varied relief, including rugged mountains, high and rolling plateaus, coastal terraces, and offshore coral reefs. The geology is largely sedimentary and coral limestones and volcanic rock. The region is seismically unstable, supported by recurrent earthquakes. Some of the islands support active volcanoes, such as Séré'ama on the island of Vanua Lava, Manaro on Aoba, Garet on Santa Maria, Benbow and Marum on Ambrym, and Yasur on Tanna. There are submarine volcanoes, as well as solfataras/fumaroles on a few islands. The highest summit is Tabwémasana, which reaches 6,165 feet (1,879 meters) on Espiritu Santo.

Climate:

There are two main seasons in Vanuatu: a hot and wet season between November and April, and a cool and dry season between May and October. Southeast trade winds dominate, but the northerly winds during the hot season lead to heavy rains. The yearly rainfall ranges from around 80 inches (2,000 mm) in the south to some 160 inches (4,000 mm) in the north islands.

Vegetation and Wildlife:

Large sections of the archipelago are blanketed by dense rain forest, with drier regions dominated by patches of savanna grassland. The islands have lush bird and insect life, compared to sparse fauna. There are about 10 species of bats in Vanuatu, with three endemic to the region. Vanuatu also has the estuarine crocodile.

Cultural Significance

The history of Vanuatu reaches back to around 1300 BC when it was initially populated by settlers belonging to the Lapita culture. The original native Ni-Vanuatu residents still keep alive their dynamic culture through time-worn festivities like the Toka Festival that gives thanks for the peace of the tribes. Another claim to fame for Vanuatu is their distinctive rituals like the Naghol land diving during Pentecost Island.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu grants citizenship under its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, in exchange for a non-refundable donation or investment. The program has been in the spotlight in recent times over allegations of high-profile cases where people sought to utilize it to escape legal actions. Interestingly, Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, both well-known Indian business magnates, have also had their applications or offers for citizenship questioned by the Vanuatu government.

Lalit Modi's Citizenship Cancellation

Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League, has been entangled in a citizenship debate over Vanuatu. Reports suggest that Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has ordered the Citizenship Commission to rescind Modi's Vanuatu passport. The decision was based on revelations that Modi had gained Vanuatu citizenship to escape extradition to India, where he is accused of financial impropriety.

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

The cancellation of Modi's passport by Vanuatu highlights the country's stance on ensuring that its citizenship is not used as a means to evade legal responsibilities. Prime Minister Napat emphasized that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and that applicants must have legitimate reasons for seeking citizenship. The recent developments underscore Vanuatu's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its citizenship by investment program.

Strengthening Citizenship Scrutiny

Following the Lalit Modi case, Vanuatu has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous background checks for citizenship applicants. The government has enhanced its due diligence process, including triple-agency checks and Interpol verification, to prevent misuse of its citizenship program. This approach reflects Vanuatu's efforts to maintain the integrity of its citizenship by investment scheme.

Vanuatu is not just a beautiful island state but also a nation that believes in its sovereignty and legitimacy of its citizenship schemes. As it goes about working through the issues of global citizenship and cooperation on the law, Vanuatu is an interesting place for individuals who are concerned with its exceptional culture and environment.