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Demand for dual citizenship echoes as Indian diaspora forum urges government action

CHANDIGARH: India has the largest national diaspora in the world, with over 3.5 crore people living abroad, prompting calls for dual citizenship to elevate the countrys global stature. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) form a significant share of the nearly 300 million people living outside their countries of birth. IndUS Canada, a leading forum representing 79 prominent organisations of the Indian diaspora across the United States and Canada, has renewed its appeal to the Union Government to introduce dual citizenship or significantly enhance the rights under the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme. The forum, headed by Vikram Bajwa, emphasised that dual citizenship is not merely an administrative reform but a transformative step capable of elevating Indias global stature. Citing the latest data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the forum noted that over 80 lakh Overseas Indians reside in the US and Canada, forming one of Indias strongest strategic assets. Yet, without the rights, security and long-term stability that dual citizenship provides, India is unable to fully benefit from their financial strength, professional capabilities and global influence, Bajwa said. He pointed out that countries such as Israel, Canada, the UK, Australia and even Pakistan have long leveraged dual citizenship to expand their diplomatic reach and economic momentum. If these nations can empower their diaspora for national growth, why should India restrict itself to only a lifelong visa under OCI? he asked. Bajwa reiterated that dual citizenship could serve as a historic reformone that propels India into a future-ready global economy and accelerates Prime Minister Narendra Modis mission of Viksit Bharat . Describing it as a 22nd-century idea for a 21st-century India, he said it is capable of redefining national development and strengthening Indias international position. He argued that dual citizenship would provide much-needed stability to Overseas Indians facing economic uncertainties, particularly in the United States. Recent tariff escalations and geopolitical tensions have placed many Indian-origin professionals and entrepreneurs in unpredictable situations. With dual citizenship, they would gain the confidence and security required to continue building long-term assets and investments in India, ensuring uninterrupted economic engagement even during global fluctuations, he said. Expressing concern over rising security issues affecting the Indian community in Canada, especially incidents involving people from Punjab, he said dual citizenship would give diaspora families a greater sense of protection and reassurance, along with legal clarity and stronger institutional backing from India. The forum further highlighted that dual citizenship would significantly enhance Indias economic, cultural and diplomatic influence worldwide. By empowering millions of Indians abroad, India would amplify its soft power and strengthen its standing in international decision-making. Economically, dual citizenship could unlock record levels of investment into India. With deeper emotional and legal ties, NRIs would be encouraged to make long-term commitments in manufacturing, technology, real estate, infrastructure and startups, he said. In the technological domain, the benefits would also be transformative. Dual citizenship would make knowledge transfer, research collaboration and cross-border innovation more seamless, helping India accelerate its transition into a high-tech global leader. The forum added that tourism, philanthropy and community-led development initiatives would naturally rise with the introduction of dual citizenship. More frequent travel, simpler compliance rules and renewed emotional belonging would encourage diaspora families to contribute more actively to India through humanitarian work, educational support and charitable initiatives. IndUS Canada urged policymakers, including Prime Minister Modi, to take cognisance of this long-standing demand of the global Indian community. The forum stressed that dual citizenship is not merely a privilege but a powerful pathway for unleashing Indias full potential on the world stage.