Dual citizenship for Indians poses multiple challenges, says EAM S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday said that dual citizenship for Indians living abroad comes with a myriad of complications. Talking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event in Chennai, the minister said there are "security and economic challenges" in providing the facility.

"There are challenges as to Indians living in which countries should be provided dual citizenship. OCI [Overseas Citizenship of India] is the step to bridge the demand. But the debate [on dual citizenship] is still alive,” Jaishankar said at the ‘TAKEPRIDE 2023’ - The 20th Young Indians National Summit.

The BJP minister's response was directed at a question from a participant about the ease of doing business for Indian entrepreneurs and the prospects of providing dual citizenship for them.


At the event, Jaishankar also responded to a question regarding a recent announcement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the reservation of 24 seats in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the possibility of holding elections there. He called the move a “reaffirmation of the sovereignty of India.”

“The mechanism [of holding elections] is complicated, but the basic message has been sent and it is loud,” the minister said.

Talking of India's talent, Jaishankar said whenever he thinks of India, he remembers the three ‘Ts’ that are shaping the country — talent, tech, and tradition.

“India is growing at 7.67% due to the collective talent of society. When the rest of the world is struggling, we are registering this growth... During Covid, we displayed our talent in developing drugs...we have talent in sports ranging from javelin to badminton,” Jaishankar said.

“We live in an era of AI, semiconductors, UPIs, and others but we also have to counter deep fakes and cyber threats. Sometimes we have to look at forces beyond us,” he added.