MEA Says Passport Not Definitive Proof Of Citizenship, Sparks National Debate | #plainspeak

India

The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that an Indian passport is not definitive proof of citizenship, sparking a national debate over identity verification, citizenship documentation and legal clarity. The clarification has triggered political backlash and renewed calls for a unique citizenship document.Experts say the issue highlights the need for clearer rules on how citizenship is established, verified and protected, especially amid rising anxiety over documentation, migration, voter rolls, passports, Aadhaar, birth records and government-issued IDs. The debate now centres on legal certainty, public trust and whether India needs a dedicated citizenship certificate or database. n18oc_indian18oc_plain-speak News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 19:29 IST