Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur criticised the MEA's view that a passport is merely a travel document, calling it a misreading of the Passports Act. He said the law clearly distinguishes between a passport and a travel document

'Could lead to international repercussions': Former Supreme Court judge Lokur questions MEA's passport stance

The Centre has also revised the fee for new and reissued 60-page passports. The normal application fee has been raised to Rs 3,500 from Rs 2,000, while the Tatkal charge has increased to Rs 6,000 from Rs 4,000.

Govt hikes passport fee to Rs 2,500 for new applications, Tatkal charge to Rs 5,000 from July 1

Government guidelines state that passports primarily serve as identity and travel documents, while Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, allows the government to issue them to non-citizens in specific cases under the supervision of senior MEA officials.

Indian passports are travel documents, not proof of citizenship, law states

India’s passport has dropped to 78th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026, a three-rank decline from February. Despite the fall, Indian passport holders can still travel to 56 countries through visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA access routes.

Indian passport slips to 78th in Henley Index; citizens can still travel unrestricted to 56 countries

Together with the introduction of modern e-passports featuring biometric chips, this system ensures security, convenience, and smooth passage across borders, aligning India’s passport framework with global standards.

Why Indian passport comes in four colours? Understanding the meaning behind each one

After the hearing on July 10, the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed to the Supreme Court that Aadhar doesn't validate the citizenship of any individual. 

If Aadhaar isn’t proof of Indian citizenship, what is? Govt clarifies—check details here

Singapore turned up as a frontrunner in Asia, as it provides visa-free entry to 193 destinations. While Japan and Korea both remain in the second position, each permits visa-free travel for 190 countries.



Indian passport gets a boost! Jumps 8 places in Henley Passport Index 2025—Know what it ranks?

Do you plan to apply for your coveted Indian passport in the coming days? Well, you cannot. But worry not, the online passport application portal is shut for only five days.

Applied for Indian passport? Your appointment is rescheduled after Sept 3

Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions. The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.

Crème de la crème: These are the world's most powerful passports; India, Pakistan rank at these positions

Russia will launch an e-visa for Indian passport holders from August 1, 2023. An individual with a Russian e-visa can enter the Russian Federation as a guest, businessperson, or tourist.

Indian passport holders can apply for Russian e-visa from August 1: Check launch time, how to apply & benefit

Singapore's passport has now become the world's most powerful in the world. The Indian passport has jumped to the 80th spot. What should you know about it? What makes a passport stronger or weaker? And most importantly, how does it affect you and me? Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: World's most powerful passports

The Indian passport's rank has improved in the latest Henley Passport Index. India's rank has gone up from 87 to 80. Indian can now travel to 57 destinations without a visa. Watch this video to know more.

World's strongest passports in 2023: How powerful is Indian passport?

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos, Indian immigrant students in US surpass the number of Chinese students there, Delhi High Court allows removal of father's name from minor's passport.

Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos | Trending on WION

In a move to improve citizen services and expedite the passport issuance process, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced the mPassport Police App that will expedite the police verification process.

Mobile tablets for Delhi Police personnel to expedite passport issuance process

Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations.

How powerful is the Indian passport? Indians get visa-free access to these 60 countries

Indian Government on Tuesday informed Rajya Sabha that 16 countries allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said that in addition to 16 countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians, there were 43 countries which provided visa-on-arrival facility and there were 36 countries that provided e-visa facility to Indians.

Indian government says 16 countries allowed visa-free travel to Indians

Government employees under suspension or granted sanction of prosecution over corruption charges will not be able to get a passport, according to an official order.

Officials with corruption charges will not get a passport: Government

Two Myanmar nationals, reportedly Rohingyas were apprehended at the Kolkata airport by immigration authorities. On Saturday late night, two Myanmar nationals identified as – Rafika Khatoon and Noor Kaida Khatoon were about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur by flight AK 62 when immigration officials asked them to show their passports on suspicion.

Two Rohingyas travelling on forged Indian passports held at Kolkata airport

India jumps two positions in world's most powerful passports rankings

MEA is considering a proposal to keep blank the last page of the passport, which currently contains many details of the holder including the address.

Soon passports will cease to be valid address proof

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