Passport Not Citizenship Proof: MEA's Clarification Sparks Confusion

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified that a passport is a travel document, not legal proof of citizenship, sparking debate. Officials cited the Passports Act and Citizenship Act to explain the distinction. Critics, including Javed Akhtar and opposition leaders, questioned what truly proves citizenship. India lacks a single universal citizenship document, relying instead on birth certificates and other papers.