Over 87,000 Indians gave up citizenship till June 2023: S Jaishankar
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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that a staggering number of 87,026 Indians voluntarily gave up their citizenship until June this year.
This brings the total count of people who have renounced their Indian citizenship since 2011 to over 17.50 lakh, according to the minister's written reply.
The statistics provided by S Jaishankar revealed the gradual increase in the number of Indians surrendering their citizenship in recent years. In 2022, 2,25,620 Indians renounced their citizenship, while in 2021, the count was 1,63,370. The figures for previous years were 85,256 in 2020, 1,44,017 in 2019, 1,34,561 in 2018, 1,33,049 in 2017, 1,41,603 in 2016, 1,31,489 in 2015, 1,29,328 in 2014, 1,31,405 in 2013, 1,20,923 in 2012, and 1,22,819 in 2011.
S Jaishankar attributed this trend to the significant number of Indian nationals exploring job opportunities on the global stage in the past two decades. Many individuals have opted to acquire foreign citizenship due to personal convenience.
Despite the increasing number of Indian citizens relinquishing their nationality, the minister emphasised that the Indian community abroad remains an invaluable asset to the nation. He stated that the government has undertaken a transformational approach in engaging with the diaspora. He also highlighted the importance of a successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora, considering it an advantage for India.
The government's approach is to harness the potential of diaspora networks and leverage their reputation for the nation's benefit.
The data provided by the minister also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Indian citizenship and global migration patterns. The trend of Indians exploring opportunities overseas highlights the country's growing integration into the global workforce. While some individuals choose foreign citizenship for personal reasons, the Indian diaspora continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India's presence and influence worldwide.