Lalit Modi apologises over the viral 'biggest fugitives' video with Vijay Mallya

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology following widespread criticism over a video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London, where the two referred to themselves as the “biggest fugitives of India.”

The video, which was shared by Modi on Instagram, showed the two men at a party in London’s Belgrave Square, reportedly hosted by Modi to mark Mallya’s 70th birthday.

In the clip, Modi is heard saying, “We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India,” as Mallya laughs. The post was captioned: “Let’s break the internet down in India again. Happy birthday, my friend #VijayMallya. Love u”.

Following backlash on social media, Modi took to X to express regret over the remarks. “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,” he 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 video quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions online. Many users criticised the remarks as insensitive and dismissive of legal proceedings in India.

One user wrote on X: “This is not humour, it is an open mockery of the Indian state. When economic offenders joke freely from foreign soil, it exposes how weak enforcement and political will really are. The silence of the government sends a dangerous message that the powerful can loot the country, flee, and laugh.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also responded to the controversy, reiterating that legal efforts were underway to bring both individuals back to India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are committed to bringing back the fugitives, and we have been in touch with the countries for their return, and processes are on. As you know, many of these cases involve multiple layers of legal procedures.”

Vijay Mallya left India in 2016 and is wanted on charges of fraud and money laundering linked to loans taken by the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Lalit Modi, who departed India in 2010, faces allegations of financial misconduct and irregularities related to the early years of the IPL during his tenure as its chairman.