Already 87,000 Indians Gave Up Their Citizenship In 2023

In 2023, a significant surge in Indians giving up their citizenship has been reported, with 87,026 individuals having already taken this step by June. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that these individuals have migrated to 135 countries, including the United States, Pakistan, and Germany, among others.

This upward trend in citizenship renunciations has been observed for several years. In 2022, a record-breaking 2,225,620 Indians relinquished their citizenship, marking the highest number in the past 12 years. The MEA shared this data in response to a query from Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, raising concerns about this emerging pattern.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged this development and assured that the government is taking note of the situation. He emphasized that many Indian nationals have chosen to adopt foreign citizenship but underscored the government’s efforts to encourage these talented individuals to contribute to the nation through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This campaign aims to harness the skills and expertise of the diaspora for the country’s growth and development.

The data from previous years shows a consistent upward trend in the number of Indians giving up their citizenship. Prior to the pandemic, the yearly figures ranged from around 1.2 lakh to 1.5 lakh individuals. However, the post-pandemic period witnessed a remarkable surge, with 2,225,620 individuals renouncing their Indian citizenship in 2022.

The reasons behind this surge in citizenship renunciations may vary, influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, family considerations, education, and global mobility. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to engaging with the diaspora and exploring ways to encourage their involvement and contribution to India’s progress and prosperity.