Campaign for Dual Citizenship Gains Momentum Among Indian Diaspora
A new movement initiated by Indian Diaspora Global, a non-partisan organization representing people of Indian origin worldwide, is calling for a reconsideration of the laws that prevent Indians from holding citizenship in another country while also retaining their Indian nationality. This campaign aims to amplify the voices of overseas Indians and enhance their connection with India, moving beyond mere symbolic gestures.
Currently, Indian law does not permit dual citizenship. According to Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, acquiring foreign nationality results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship. Similarly, the Passports Act of 1967 mandates that individuals must surrender their Indian passports upon naturalization in another country. These regulations, established many years ago, face increasing scrutiny as the global workforce and economic interactions evolve.
Recent statistics from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs reveal that about 163,000 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2021, a significant rise from 85,236 in 2020 and 144,000 in 2019. From 2019 to 2021, nearly 392,000 individuals surrendered their Indian citizenship, with over 43% opting for U.S. nationality, showcasing a growing disconnect in policy.
Melwyn Chirayath, the Chairman and Founder of Indian Diaspora Global, emphasized that dual citizenship is not about split loyalties but recognizing the realities of identity and contributions in today’s interconnected world. He warned that forcing overseas Indians to give up their citizenship could weaken the strong economic, intellectual, and cultural ties that bind them to India.
The organization argues that a well-thought-out dual citizenship policy could be established with necessary safeguards to protect national interests, constitutional values, and the integrity of public office. Many democratic nations already allow dual citizenship while implementing strict criteria and compliance measures.
Manoj Sharma, President for Communications and Outreach at Indian Diaspora Global, suggested that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a day that honors the Indian diaspora, should be a platform for serious policy discussions rather than just ceremonial occasions. “The rising trend of citizenship renouncement signals that the current laws might not align with the global realities we face today,” he stated.
The campaign, titled “Keep The Door Open,” stresses that it does not oppose global mobility or individual choices. Instead, it questions whether gaining foreign citizenship should permanently sever legal and civic connections to India, especially as the diaspora continues to play a significant role in enhancing the country’s global presence.
