The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport should not be considered conclusive proof of citizenship, stressing that its primary purpose is to serve as a travel document.
The clarification comes amid discussions over the use of various identity documents, including Aadhaar and voter ID cards, as proof of citizenship and eligibility for government benefits.
Officials quoted by NDTV said that while passports are issued only to Indian citizens, the document is intended mainly to facilitate international travel and establish identity abroad.
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Faster services and shorter waiting times
The government highlighted improvements in passport services, saying processing times have come down significantly in many cases.
According to officials quoted by NDTV, passports can now be issued within five working days in several instances, while applicants are spending less than 45 minutes at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). The changes have been attributed to technology-driven reforms and streamlined procedures.
India's passport network has also expanded considerably over the past decade. The country now has 545 passport service centres, marking a six-fold increase in coverage.
The government plans to open 20 additional Passport Seva Kendras this year, with the aim of ensuring at least one passport facility in every Lok Sabha constituency by 2027, per NDTV.
E-passports and wider access
Officials also highlighted the rollout of chip-enabled e-passports across the country. Since May last year, all newly issued passports have been equipped with secure electronic chips containing biometric information and security features that comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
The move is expected to improve document security, reduce fraud and make international travel smoother.
Special mobile passport teams have also been deployed in remote areas, while outreach programmes conducted last year helped nearly 3 lakh people obtain passports in underserved regions.
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Global mobility and overseas employment
Despite these improvements, passport ownership in India remains relatively low, with only about 10 per cent of the population holding a passport.
The MEA said India has signed 27 mobility agreements with 25 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Gulf nations, to facilitate easier movement of students, professionals and workers, reported NDTV.
Officials also noted that 27 countries currently offer visa-free entry to Indian passport holders, while several others provide visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities.
The government said its broader goal is to make passports more accessible while ensuring that overseas migration remains safe, orderly and beneficial for Indian workers.
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FAQs:
Is an Indian passport proof of citizenship?
The MEA said a passport should not be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship.
What is the primary purpose of an Indian passport?
According to the MEA, a passport is primarily a travel document for international travel.
