India, Dec. 30 -- In a swift retreat from a remark that reignited scrutiny of India's most high-profile economic offenders, IPL founder Lalit Modi on Monday apologised for jokingly referring to himself and liquor baron Vijay Mallya as the "two biggest fugitives" of India, saying the comment was misunderstood and never meant to offend.

The apology followed the circulation of a now-deleted video from Mallya's 70th birthday celebrations in London, where Modi was heard commenting in a light-hearted moment. The clip triggered sharp reactions online, coming just days after the Indian Government reiterated its commitment to bringing back economic

fugitives from overseas to face justice.

Issuing a clarification on X, Modi said, "I apologise if...