No, India does not permit full dual citizenship under its Constitution. However, it offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, which is widely known and commonly referred to as "dual citizenship."
India's Citizenship Policy and Dual Nationality
The Constitution of India explicitly states that it does not allow individuals to simultaneously hold Indian citizenship and the citizenship of a foreign country. This fundamental principle means that if a person who is an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires citizenship of another nation, their Indian citizenship automatically terminates. India adheres to the principle of single citizenship for its nationals.
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
To address the needs and aspirations of the vast Indian diaspora, and following recommendations from a High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India introduced the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme.
What is OCI?
The OCI status is a special immigration status granted to foreign citizens of Indian origin. While it is commonly known as "dual citizenship", it is crucial to understand that OCI does not confer full Indian citizenship. Instead, it provides a range of benefits and privileges for eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin, making their engagement with India significantly easier. It acts as a lifelong visa for India, among other advantages, without granting the full rights and responsibilities of an Indian citizen, such as the right to vote or hold public office.
