The Center reports that over 210,000 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2023
NEW DELHI: According to a government report submitted to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, over 216,000 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2023.
This information about the number of Indian citizens who have renounced their citizenship during the last five years was supplied in a written response by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. 2018 data was also included by him.
In 2023, 216,219 Indians renounced their citizenship.
In comparison, the numbers for previous years were 225,620 in 2022, 163,370 in 2021, 85,256 in 2020, and 144,017 in 2019.
AAP member Raghav Chadha asked whether the government had examined the reasons for the ‘high number of renunciations’ and the ‘low acceptance of Indian citizenship.
In addition, he inquired as to whether an evaluation had been conducted on the “financial and intellectual drainage” brought about by the notable percentage of renunciations of citizenship.
Singh responded by saying that citizenship acquisition or renunciation are personal decision.
He highlighted the government’s recognition of the possibilities of the global workplace in the current information economy and pointed out the revolutionary shifts in its interactions with the Indian diaspora.
Singh referred to a “successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora” as a valuable asset for India, emphasizing the advantages of tapping into diaspora networks and leveraging the soft power of a vibrant expatriate community.
He noted that the government’s initiatives are designed to maximize this potential, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
