As per reports from the PTI news agency, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar informed the lower house Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of the Indian Parliament that a total of 87,026 Indians have given up their citizenship until June of the current year.

In a written response to Lok Sabha, the foreign minister stated that over 17, 50,000 people have renounced their Indian citizenship since 2011. Jaishankar provided detailed data on the number of Indians who have chosen to give up their citizenship over the years starting from 2011.

He said 2,25,620 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2022, 1,63,370 in 2021, 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.

"The number of Indian nationals exploring the global workplace has been significant in the last two decades. Many of them have chosen to take up foreign citizenship for reasons of personal convenience," the minister said.

Furthermore, the Minister of External Affairs also praised the Indian government's efforts to establish connections with the Indian diaspora abroad. He highlighted that the government has initiated transformative measures to actively engage with the Indian Diasporas.

At the same time, the minister also appreciated the overseas Indian community and called it an asset to the nation. "A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an advantage for India and our approach is to tap diaspora networks and utilise its reputation for national gain," he said.

According to recent developments, India has been implementing policies to ease the lives of its citizens residing abroad. During his address to the Indian diaspora in Washington DC, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant announcement regarding H1B visa holders. He declared that professionals will no longer need to travel abroad for visa renewals as America's new consulates will be established in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. This decision is expected to bring relief to H1B visa holders and foster a stronger people-to-people connect between India and its diaspora, which has become a top priority in India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi's visits abroad have consistently garnered a warm and enthusiastic reception from the Indian diaspora, underscoring his popularity among Indians residing overseas.

Image source: PTI