New Delhi: The Indus Canada Forum, representing 79 organisations of the Indian diaspora across the United States and Canada, has renewed its appeal to the Government of India to introduce dual citizenship or substantially broaden the rights available under the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme.
Forum chairperson Vikram Bajwa said the time had come for India to consider dual citizenship as more than an administrative reform. “It is a step that has the potential to elevate India’s global stature,” he said while addressing a press conference.
Bajwa referred to the latest data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, noting that over 80 lakh overseas Indians live in the US and Canada. The Forum described them as one of India’s strongest strategic assets, contributing significant financial power, professional expertise and global visibility.
However, the Forum said that without the rights, stability and long-term security associated with dual citizenship, India is unable to fully leverage the community’s potential. Further discussions on the issue are expected as the demand continues to gain traction among diaspora groups.
