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New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has told Parliament that India continues to witness a significant outflow of citizens choosing foreign nationalities, with nearly nine lakh people giving up their Indian citizenship in the past five years alone. The figures were placed before the Rajya Sabha in a written reply by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
According to the data, the government maintains year-wise records of individuals who formally surrender their Indian citizenship. Between 2011 and 2019, more than 11.8 lakh people renounced their citizenship, reflecting a long-term pattern in which Indians continue to relocate abroad in large numbers for employment, education, and residency opportunities.
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,22,819 |
| 2012 | 1,20,923 |
| 2013 | 1,31,405 |
| 2014 | 1,29,328 |
| 2015 | 1,31,489 |
| 2016 | 1,41,603 |
| 2017 | 1,33,049 |
| 2018 | 1,34,561 |
| 2019 | 1,44,017 |
| 2020 | 85,256 |
| 2021 | 1,63,370 |
| 2022 | 2,25,620 |
| 2023 | 2,16,219 |
| 2024 | 2,06,378 |
In total, the numbers shared in Parliament suggest that more than 20 lakh Indians have relinquished their citizenship over the past fourteen years. Officials note that while the trend has fluctuated slightly from year to year, recent periods have recorded some of the highest annual figures. The rise indicates a growing inclination among Indians to settle in countries offering long-term employment prospects, favourable immigration pathways, or opportunities for family reunification.
The ministry’s data has also renewed discussions within policy circles about the reasons that drive outward migration and the long-term implications for the country. Analysts point out that while India benefits from a vast and successful diaspora, the steady pace of citizenship renunciations raises questions about domestic opportunities, global mobility, and the choices being made by skilled professionals.
