Passport Not Proof Of Citizenship | MEA Clarification On Passports Sparks Citizenship Debate

A fresh debate has emerged after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that an Indian passport is not, by itself, conclusive proof of citizenship. The ministry clarified that citizenship is determined under legal provisions and supporting rules, not solely through possession of a passport. Sources emphasized that this is not a new position, pointing out that under the Passport Act, 1967, passports may be issued in certain circumstances that do not automatically establish citizenship status, prompting renewed discussion on what legally constitutes proof of Indian citizenship.