The MEA’s clarification that a passport is not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship has raised concerns. In India, passports are issued after checks of identity, address, birth records and police verification. If these are completed, later questioning citizenship appears contradictory. Many Indians, especially the elderly, migrants and the poor, may lack birth certificates, making passports their strongest identity document. The issue has gained attention during electoral roll revision and citizenship verification exercises. It raises a key question: what finally proves citizenship? The MEA must clearly separate travel identity documents from legal proof of nationality to avoid confusion and public anxiety.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
