India’s global diaspora has grown into the largest in the world, with more than 3.5 crore people living abroad. This rising presence has strengthened calls for dual citizenship, with many arguing that it would enhance India’s global standing and deepen the country’s international engagement.
IndUS Canada, a major forum representing 79 organisations of the Indian diaspora across the United States and Canada, has again urged the Union Government to introduce dual citizenship or expand the rights offered under the Overseas Citizen of India scheme. The forum, led by Vikram Bajwa, said the move would be transformative rather than administrative, reinforcing India’s economic, diplomatic and cultural influence worldwide.
Referring to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, the forum highlighted that more than 80 lakh Overseas Indians live in the US and Canada. Bajwa said this group represents a powerful strategic asset for India but cannot fully contribute without greater rights and long term stability. He said India needs to unlock the potential of its diaspora by moving beyond the existing lifelong visa offered under the OCI scheme.
Bajwa pointed out that countries including Israel, Canada, the UK, Australia and Pakistan have successfully used dual citizenship to expand their global reach and economic strength. He asked why India should hesitate when other nations have used such policies to empower their diaspora.
Calling dual citizenship a twenty second century idea for a twenty first century India, Bajwa said the reform could advance the vision of Viksit Bharat and strengthen India’s international position. He said the policy would give Overseas Indians more security during global economic and geopolitical shifts, especially in the United States where tariff changes and tensions have created uncertainty. According to him, dual citizenship would allow them to continue investing in India without disruptions.
He also raised concerns about security issues affecting Indian communities in Canada, particularly those involving people from Punjab. He said dual citizenship would offer better protection, clearer legal rights and stronger institutional support from India.
The forum said that deeper emotional and legal ties would encourage NRIs to make long term investments in manufacturing, technology, real estate, infrastructure and startups. It added that dual citizenship would also boost research partnerships, knowledge exchange and cross border innovation, supporting India’s ambition to become a high tech global leader.
Tourism, philanthropy and community development initiatives would also benefit. Simpler rules, easier travel and a renewed sense of connection would encourage diaspora families to contribute more to humanitarian work, education and charitable projects in India.
IndUS Canada urged policymakers, including the Prime Minister, to acknowledge this long standing demand and view dual citizenship as a strong pathway for unlocking India’s full global potential.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
