Indian Premier League founder and former chairman Lalit Modi issued a public apology on Monday after a video featuring him with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya sparked widespread controversy.

The video, shot at a private party in London, showed Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya together, where they appeared to mock Indian authorities by calling themselves “two biggest fugitives” of India. The clip quickly went viral on social media and triggered strong reactions.

The video was later deleted.

Following the backlash, Lalit Modi took to X to clarify his remarks and issued an apology. He said his comments were misunderstood and were never meant in the way they were interpreted.

“I apologise if I have hurt anyone's feelings, especially the Indian Government, whom 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 posted on X.

The apology came just days after India reiterated that it remains committed to bringing back economic offenders from abroad. Responding to questions about the viral video and the people involved, the Ministry of External Affairs said the delay in extraditing the two is due to complex legal processes across multiple countries.

“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and wanted by law in India return to the country. We are in talks with several governments, and processes are ongoing. There are several layers of legalities involved, but we remain committed to bringing them back to the country so they can face trial before the courts here,” the ministry said.

The controversy began after Lalit Modi shared a video from Vijay Mallya’s 70th birthday celebration held in London on December 18. The party took place at Modi’s residence in Belgravia Square. In the clip, Lalit Modi is seen with Vijay Mallya and Mallya’s partner Pinki Lalwani.

In the now-deleted video, Lalit Modi can be heard saying, “Let’s break the internet in India again. Happy birthday, my friend Vijay Mallya.”

The video has since been removed, but the incident continues to draw attention amid India’s ongoing efforts to bring back fugitives to face trial.