Speaking at an event marking the 14th Passport Seva Divas on Wednesday (June 24), a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that an Indian passport should primarily be viewed as a travel document rather than conclusive proof of citizenship. This statement has sparked a widespread debate on social media.
According to reports, the official noted that while passports are issued following rigorous scrutiny and document verification, their primary purpose is to facilitate international travel and attest to the holder’s citizenship status abroad.
The MEA clarified that although passports are issued after thorough verification based on information from various government agencies, in the eyes of the law, they are travel documents rather than citizenship certificates. Emphasizing the expansion of passport services nationwide, the Ministry highlighted government efforts to modernize these services, including the introduction of chip-based e-passports.
Felicitations to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas.
The rollout of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, introduction of chip-enabled e-Passports, opening of new PSKs and POPSKs, and record levels of passport issuance are… pic.twitter.com/20zISWwlfZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2026
Meanwhile, the assertion that a passport is not proof of citizenship has ignited a debate regarding which documents can be used to establish Indian citizenship. Legal experts and government records indicate that there is no single, universal document for proving citizenship in India for those who acquire it by birth. While documents such as Aadhaar, PAN cards, and Voter ID cards serve specific purposes, they do not, in themselves, constitute conclusive proof of citizenship.
This clarification has also drawn questions from politicians and prominent figures. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned the government’s stance, pointing out that passports are issued only after police verification and comprehensive scrutiny. He remarked that the statement could create confusion regarding the status of Indian passports on the international stage.
It is reported that the MEA’s statements reference Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967. This section empowers the Government of India to issue a passport to a person who is not an Indian citizen, provided it is in the public interest to do so. Section 20 states, “Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding provisions relating to the issuance of passports or travel documents, the Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel document to a person who is not a citizen of India, if the Government is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so in the public interest.”
Government of India guidelines regarding the issuance of passports—whether in India or abroad—also state that a passport serves as an identity and travel document, and under the Passports Act, the government can issue passports to non-citizens as well. Earlier, on June 19, while addressing the annual Regional Passport Officers’ Conference, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that the Indian passport is a symbol of national identity and is viewed with respect and trust on the global stage.
“A passport is not merely a booklet of pages; it is a powerful instrument for economic mobility and international trade—a vital tool. I would say the same regarding national identity. As our foreign policy establishes India as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (friend to the world), the Indian passport is regarded internationally with respect and trust. It is our responsibility to ensure that the process of obtaining this document remains a right, rather than a struggle.”
On the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar commended the efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric passport services and emphasized the Ministry of External Affairs’ commitment to delivering services to the public.
The Minister noted that the event marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Passports Act, 1967, and reflects the modernization of India’s passport infrastructure. Jaishankar attributed the success of the ‘Passport Seva Programme’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’ He further stated that the Ministry of External Affairs has achieved significant milestones in the digital domain, including the successful operationalization of the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) within the country and the launch of the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0) at diplomatic missions worldwide to provide better services to the Indian diaspora. He noted that a key highlight of this technological transformation is the successful rollout of chip-enabled e-passports, which meet international standards for security and authentication.
