Ottawa: IndUS Canada, a leading forum representing 79 prominent organizations of the Indian diaspora across the US and Canada, has renewed its appeal to the Indian government to introduce dual citizenship or significantly enhance the rights under the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme.
The forum, headed by Vikram Bajwa, said that dual citizenship is not merely an administrative reform but a transformative step capable of elevating India’s global stature. Citing the latest data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the forum noted that over 80 lakh Overseas Indians reside in the US and Canada, forming one of India’s strongest strategic assets.
“Yet, without the rights, security and long-term stability that dual citizenship provides, India is unable to fully benefit from their financial strength, professional capabilities and global influence,” Bajwa said.
Expressing concern over rising security issues affecting the Indian community in Canada, especially incidents involving people from Punjab, he said dual citizenship would give diaspora families a greater sense of protection and reassurance, along with legal clarity and stronger institutional backing from India.
Bajwa reiterated that dual citizenship could serve as a historic reform—one that propels India into a future-ready global economy and accelerates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of Viksit Bharat. Describing it as a “22nd-century idea for a 21st-century India,” he said it is capable of redefining national development and strengthening India’s international position.
