Dual Citizenship: Need, Challenges & Way Ahead

Table of contents

With over 3.5 million members worldwide, the Indian diaspora is the largest and a powerful economic, social, and cultural force globally. However, India does not offer dual citizenship; instead, it provides the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which grants limited rights and revocable privileges.
Amid changing global migration patterns, India’s rising international stature, and the evolving identity of its diaspora, the case for true dual citizenship grows stronger. It promotes deeper engagement, greater soft power, and stronger emotional connections with Indians abroad.

Dual Citizenship: The Need of the Hour

Economic and Investment Potential: Emotional bonds through dual citizenship can boost remittances, diaspora-led investments, and even FDI inflows.
Brain Gain and Knowledge Diplomacy: It facilitates the greater involvement of global Indians in research, innovation, and institutional partnerships.
Global Workforce and Youth Aspirations: Supports India’s vision of becoming the world’s talent hub by empowering its mobile and ambitious young population.
Emotional and Cultural Integration: Allows migrants to retain their Indian identity, strengthening ties with second and third-generation diaspora.
Strategic Soft Power and Global Standing: Enhances India’s global influence and aligns with its civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Legal and Policy Feasibility: Dual citizenship is constitutionally viable under Article 11 and aligns with global practices in liberal democracies.

Challenges in Granting Dual Citizenship

National Security Risks: Conflicting loyalties may arise in sensitive sectors like defence, intelligence, and strategic policymaking.
Electoral and Political Complications: Allowing dual citizen voting or office-holding rights could raise concerns about accountability and foreign influence.
Administrative and Legal Complexities: Implementing dual citizenship demands robust legal frameworks, coordination, and institutional capacity.
Equity Concerns for Resident Citizens: Preferential treatment to overseas Indians may trigger resentment among domestic citizens facing everyday challenges.
Taxation and Regulatory Loopholes: Dual citizenship may be misused to evade taxes or exploit regulatory gaps across jurisdictions.
Risk of Citizenship Commodification: There is potential for misuse through “passport shopping,” weakening the sanctity of national citizenship. E.g., “Golden passport” schemes in Malta & Cyprus triggered global criticism and EU scrutiny.

Proposed Framework for Dual Citizenship in India

Generational Linkage for Eligibility: Restrict to first and second-generation NRIs to ensure emotional and cultural connection and prevent misuse.
Tiered Model Based on Contribution: Grant rights based on objective criteria like tax compliance, visits to India, or investment in national institutions.
Exclusion from Sensitive Positions: Bar dual citizens from key constitutional, defence, or intelligence roles while allowing civic engagement at the local level.
Vetting Authority under MEA: Set up a statutory body with clear security protocols and transparent assessment of applications.
Sunset Clause for Non-Engagement: Revoke status if diaspora fails to maintain meaningful ties (e.g., no visits/investments over a fixed period).
Digital Integration for Monitoring and Access: Use Digital India platforms for secure documentation, engagement, and feedback from the diaspora.

Way Forward: Reimagining Citizenship in a Globalised India

Adopt an Inclusive Citizenship Philosophy: Acknowledge the fluid identities of a globalised world and recognise that national loyalty today is multi-layered, not zero-sum.
Harness Digital India for Diaspora Participation: Enable secure e-voting, digital consultations, and policy feedback mechanisms to deepen democratic engagement with the diaspora.
Align Laws with Diaspora Diplomacy Goals: Reform citizenship laws in sync with the objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and India’s broader soft power strategy.
Foster Consensus through Participatory Policy-Making: Conduct inclusive consultations with civil society, diaspora bodies, constitutional experts, and lawmakers to ensure balanced reforms.

Genuine dual citizenship will transform migration from a story of loss into one of lasting connection and contribution. It will allow the diaspora to stay rooted in India while thriving globally. As India aspires to be a Vishwaguru, embracing dual citizenship reflects our ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, turning emotional bonds into national strength.

Reference: Indian Express

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 139

Q. As India emerges as a global power and hosts the world’s largest diaspora, should we reconsider the policy on dual citizenship? Critically analyse the associated challenges and propose a balanced framework for its adoption. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly highlight India’s global rise & diaspora strength to introduce the context of dual citizenship.
Body: Critically analyse key challenges associated with dual citizenship and suggest a balanced and feasible framework for its adoption.
Conclusion: End with a visionary note on India’s global leadership and inclusive citizenship rooted in constitutional and cultural values.