Indian Passport: Travel Document, Not Citizenship Proof, MEA States

Jul 14, 2026

61 min

Jul 14, 2026 19:30

Indian passport issued for travel, not as proof of citizenship, MEA clarifies

## MEA Clarifies Passport's Role

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not proof of citizenship. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the passport's role in establishing citizenship.

## Background of the Debate

The debate intensified after MEA officials, during a briefing on Passport Seva Divas, described the passport as a travel document. This led to criticism from opposition parties questioning why it couldn't serve as evidence of citizenship.

## Government's Position

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that the passport is issued under the Passports Act, 1967, to regulate citizens' departure from India. He emphasized that passports are issued following a thorough verification process.

## Opposition's Concerns

The Congress party criticized the government's stance, suggesting it might be used to selectively deny citizenship rights. They questioned why a passport, which undergoes strict verification, cannot be considered proof of citizenship.

## Legal Precedents

Government officials cited a 2013 Bombay High Court ruling, which stated that a passport is not conclusive proof of citizenship. The Passports Act also allows issuing passports to non-citizens under certain conditions.

## Current Passport Holders

Currently, less than 8% of Indian citizens possess a passport, according to Jaiswal.

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