Centre says no policy change as it confirms passports alone don’t establish Indian citizenship, pointing to existing law, court rulings and alternative documents.

The statement appears counter-intuitive because the Passports Act, 1967, the law governing passports, proceeds on the premise that holder is an Indian citizen. | India News

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, in the middle of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, has generated confusion and anxiety.

While some pointed out that passports could only be issued to Indian citizens, others jibed at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. | India News

A passport facilitates international travel and consular protection but, as clarified by the external affairs ministry, it does not serve as definitive proof of Indian citizenship.

The Opposition criticized the MEA's statement calling passports mere travel documents, with MP Kapil Sibal questioning which document officially proves Indian citizenship.

Government clarifies a passport has never been definitive proof of citizenship, citing the Passports Act and Bombay High Court rulings. This statement, reiterating a settled legal…

The government clarified that passports have never served as proof of citizenship, citing the Passports Act 1967 and a Bombay High Court ruling from 2013.

“It was not decided yesterday that the Passport is not a proof of citizenship. It was not even decided in the last 12 years," a government official said. | India News

Centre says no policy change as it confirms passports alone don’t establish Indian citizenship, pointing to existing law, court rulings and alternative documents.

A recent government clarification in India, stating passports aren't conclusive proof of citizenship, has ignited interest in the document's history. Originating over 2,500 years…

After slipping to 85th in 2025, India climbed to 75th in the latest rankings, marking a 10-place jump within a year. | India News