Doha, Qatar: INCAS President Sidheek Purayil has urged the Government of India to issue a clarification following a statement by the Union Ministry of External Affairs on Passport Seva Day, June 24, which stated that an Indian passport is a travel document and not proof of Indian citizenship. He said the statement has created confusion and concern among Indian expatriates across the world.

Purayil said millions of Indians live and work overseas using passports issued by the Government of India, with the document serving as the primary means of establishing their identity before foreign authorities. He noted that in cases involving accidents, legal matters, expired residence permits, or deaths abroad, the Indian passport is relied upon by authorities to identify the individual as an Indian national and facilitate necessary official procedures, including repatriation.

Referring to recent reports of Indian-origin individuals being deported from the United States, Purayil said foreign governments have relied on Indian passports as the principal document to establish nationality before returning such individuals to India. He further pointed out that, since India does not permit dual citizenship, individuals who acquire citizenship of another country are required to surrender their Indian passports and complete the prescribed legal formalities. In this context, he said the passport has long been regarded internationally as a primary government-issued document identifying an individual as an Indian citizen.

Purayil expressed concern that the recent statement could be interpreted as suggesting that possession of an Indian passport alone does not establish Indian citizenship, potentially creating uncertainty among Indians living overseas. He added that repeated statements of this nature could affect India’s international credibility and image.

He called on the Central Government to provide a clear explanation on the issue and address the concerns raised by the Indian diaspora, ensuring that expatriates receive unambiguous guidance regarding the status and significance of the Indian passport.

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