(Image source from: Business-standard.com)
Indian passports are about to become safer and more advanced as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launches improved services as part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP). This improvement brings in e-passports that have new security features, which represents a significant change in India's travel documentation. A major aspect of this program is the introduction of e-passports, which are hybrid documents that include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna that comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. This chip securely holds the passport owner's biometric and personal information, such as their photo, fingerprints, and other details, in encrypted form. This digital element allows for quicker and more dependable verification at immigration points, greatly decreasing the chances of fraud and forgery. The antenna facilitates contactless data access, enhancing durability by reducing physical handling.
According to a press release from the MEA, all newly issued passports will be e-passports, but current non-electronic passports will still be valid until they expire. The upgraded Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 started on May 26, 2025, and is already running in 37 Passport Offices, 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), and 450 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). The Global Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 (GPSP V2.0), which began on October 28, has expanded these improved services to Indian Embassies and Consulates around the world. The MEA stated that PSP V2.0 creates a smooth digital system for passport services. The platform employs AI-based chat and voice assistants to help people with applications and to address concerns. A redesigned website and mobile app now provide forms that fill automatically, easier document uploads, and readily available online payments via UPI or QR codes.
In the previous fiscal year, over 35 million passports were issued, showing a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The MEA credited this rise to better access and growing public trust in the updated digital system. The introduction of e-passports emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian travelers globally. It also reflects the MEA’s broader initiative to incorporate advanced technology into services for citizens, making international travel safer, quicker, and more convenient.
