India’s Silent Exodus: Over Two Lakh Indian Citizens Quit Passports Yearly Amid Changing Aspirations

Over nine lakh Indians have given up their citizenship in just five years, with annual numbers now crossing two lakh consistently. The pandemic briefly slowed the process, but once borders reopened, the surge continued, proving this is not a backlog story. Many renouncing citizenship are skilled professionals and high-net-worth individuals who migrated years ago and are now eligible for foreign passports. India’s ban on dual citizenship, combined with better pay, public services and stability abroad, makes renunciation a practical decision rather than an emotional one. While India remains the world’s top source of skilled migrants and a remittance powerhouse, the scale of exits signals unresolved challenges at home. Growth alone may not be enough to retain talent in the long run.