The Indian passport is a document issued to regulate the departure of citizens from India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on July 14, 2026.
Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA’s Official Spokesperson, stated during a press briefing that the passport’s purpose is defined under the Passports Act, 1967. He added that issuance follows a verification process outlined in the Act and the Passports Rules, 1980.
Legal Basis and Current Passport Holdings
The clarification follows earlier remarks by a government official describing the passport as a travel document, not a citizenship proof. Jaiswal reiterated that its role is to facilitate and regulate emigration.
Current data shows less than 8% of Indian citizens hold a passport, as per the MEA’s statement.
What the Passports Act, 1967 Says
The Act governs passport issuance, including eligibility and verification. Jaiswal’s remarks underscore its primary function: controlling the exit of Indian nationals from the country.
