India, June 25 -- Amid ongoing public debate over the use of passports as proof of citizenship and eligibility for government benefits, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship.

The clarification came during a detailed briefing on India's expanding passport ecosystem, where officials highlighted a series of reforms aimed at improving accessibility, security and international mobility for Indian citizens.

Passport meant for travel, says government

Officials stressed that while passports are issued only to Indian citizens, their primary purpose is to facilitate international travel and establish identity abroad....