New Delhi: A clarification linked to the Ministry of External Affairs, MEA, stating that an Indian passport serves as a travel document and does not stand as proof of citizenship has triggered widespread discussion and questions across social media.
The clarification surfaced during the 14th Passport Seva Divas. An MEA official stated that passports are issued after due diligence based on documents received from several government agencies. Reports describing the passport as a travel document led many people to ask which document serves as proof of Indian citizenship.
The discussion also revived earlier statements stating Aadhaar, PAN and voter identity cards establish identity, though they do not serve as proof of citizenship.
Several public figures questioned the clarification. Shiv Sena, UBT, leader Aaditya Thackeray asked whether passports would then be issued to non Indians. He also questioned the nature of police verification carried out before passport issuance and expressed concern about how other countries might view the statement.
Screenwriter and political activist Javed Akhtar also reacted. He questioned whether travel documents would be issued without authorities first confirming Indian citizenship. He described the clarification as difficult to understand.
Social media users echoed similar concerns. Many asked the MEA to clearly identify which document establishes Indian citizenship. Others referred to earlier clarifications stating Aadhaar, PAN and voter identity cards do not establish citizenship and sought a direct answer from the ministry.
While many users sought clarification, others responded with humorous posts and memes. The issue generated wide online engagement, with discussions focusing on the distinction between identity documents, travel documents and legal proof of citizenship.
