Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued an apology after his remarks during Vijay Mallya’s 70th birthday celebration in London triggered criticism and drew attention from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The controversy began after Lalit Modi shared a video on Instagram from the birthday party, hosted at his residence in Belgravia Square, London, where he referred to himself and Vijay Mallya as the “two biggest fugitives from India.” The caption accompanying the video read, “Let me do something to break the internet again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya.”

Days later, the MEA responded to queries regarding the video, following which Lalit Modi posted an apology. In his statement, Modi said, “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.”

Vijay Mallya, who turned 70 on December 18, is the former owner of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines and previously owned the Bengaluru IPL franchise. He left India in 2016 after multiple cases were filed against him related to alleged financial irregularities and loan defaults involving large sums.

Lalit Modi, a former cricket administrator and founder of the IPL, left India in 2010 following investigations into alleged financial misconduct and irregularities during the league’s early years.

According to reports, several of Mallya’s associates travelled from India to attend the celebration in London. The event and the subsequent social media post sparked widespread reactions online, leading to increased scrutiny of Lalit Modi’s remarks.

Following the apology, no further statement has been issued by the MEA regarding the matter.

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