Passport is a travel document, not conclusive proof of citizenship, says MEA

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and should not be regarded as definitive proof of citizenship, amid continuing public debate over documents used to establish citizenship and eligibility for government services, NDTV reported.

The clarification was issued during a briefing on India’s expanding passport infrastructure and mobility initiatives, where officials outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving access to passport services, enhancing document security and supporting international travel and overseas employment opportunities.

Officials noted that while passports are issued only to Indian citizens, their principal function is to facilitate international travel and verify identity abroad. The issue comes against the backdrop of recurring discussions over the status of documents such as Aadhaar and voter identity cards as evidence of citizenship.

The government highlighted improvements in passport services, stating that processing times have been reduced significantly, with many applications now being completed within five working days. Applicants are also spending less than 45 minutes at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) due to streamlined procedures and technology-driven upgrades.

A key development cited during the briefing was the nationwide introduction of chip-enabled e-passports. Since May last year, all newly issued passports have carried embedded electronic chips containing biometric and security data in line with standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen security, curb fraud and improve international acceptance of Indian travel documents.

India’s passport service network has expanded substantially over the past decade and now includes 545 centres across the country. The government plans to establish 20 more Passport Seva Kendras this year and aims to provide at least one passport facility in every Lok Sabha constituency by 2027.

According to officials, only about 30 districts remain without a dedicated passport centre. Mobile passport units have also been deployed in remote regions, while outreach drives conducted last year helped nearly 300,000 people in underserved areas obtain passports.

Despite the expansion, passport ownership remains limited, with only around 10 per cent of India’s population holding a passport. The government said increasing access remains a priority as overseas education, employment and business travel continue to grow.

The MEA also pointed to India’s expanding mobility partnerships with 25 countries through 27 agreements, including arrangements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Gulf nations. These agreements are intended to facilitate smoother movement for students, professionals, researchers and business travellers.

The statement appears counterintuitive because the Passports Act, 1967, the law governing passports, proceeds on the premise that the holder is an Indian citizen.