Subject: Polity
India follows a principle of single citizenship, meaning that every individual is recognized as a citizen of one united nation. This concept is enshrined in the constitutional framework—especially through the implications of Article 9—and is reinforced by the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Single citizenship ensures that all rights, duties, and benefits are uniformly applied, thereby promoting a cohesive national identity and preventing legal complexities associated with dual or multiple allegiances. Unlike several other nations that permit dual citizenship, India deliberately restricts this to maintain clarity in legal and administrative matters.
The policy of single citizenship also underscores the indivisible nature of the Indian state. By not recognizing dual citizenship, the Indian legal system emphasizes that every citizen owes their loyalty exclusively to India, thereby reinforcing the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.