India Launches Nationwide e-Passports and Passport Seva Programme 2.0

India has taken a major step forward in enhancing its citizen services and international mobility, with the recent rollout of e-passports and the launch of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) celebrated Passport Seva Day on June 24, 2025, marking the anniversary of the Passports Act 1967, along with a three-day Regional Passport Officers Conference from June 23 to 25, attended by officials from 37 passport offices across the country.

During the celebrations, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that the nationwide rollout of e-passports would now be in place, alongside the upgraded PSP V2.0, which will significantly modernise India’s passport services.

He also mentioned that a pilot version of the Global PSP V2.0 is currently being tested and will gradually be introduced at Indian missions abroad. The Minister also added, “In line with the Government of India’s commitment to deliver next-level citizen-centric services, I am delighted to inform that we have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country. This would leverage advanced, high-end emerging technologies.”

Reflecting on the progress over the past decade, the Minister highlighted that the number of passports issued has increased from just over 9.1 million in 2014 to 14.6 million in 2024. He credited innovations such as the mPassport Police App, Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK), and GPSP for making passport services quicker and more accessible, even in remote parts of India.

Dr Jaishankar also pointed out the advantages of e-passports, which come equipped with embedded chips that allow contactless reading of personal data, easing international travel and facilitating better coordination with immigration authorities worldwide. He noted the opening of 10 new POPSK centres in the past year, with the 450th opening in Kushinagar in April 2025, and praised the mobile passport vans reaching underserved areas.

In a post on X, the Minister expressed, “Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan are three key pillars of governance that would lead us to a Viksit Bharat. They are all reflected with prominence in our Passport Seva Programme.

Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, who presided over the Passport Seva Day celebrations, praised the inclusive and affordable nature of today’s passport services. He highlighted innovative efforts by Passport Offices, including TRIFED outlets, solar power installations, and rainwater harvesting projects, which reflect social and environmental responsibility.

“The most striking feature of our passport delivery service today is its inclusivity and efficiency. I sincerely thank our Prime Minister and Dr Jaishankar for their visionary leadership in transforming passport services,” said Margherita. He also presented awards to outstanding officers, officials, and partner organisations for their contribution to expanding the reach and quality of services.

The conference, led by Dr KJ Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (PSP) & Chief Passport Officer, focused on key themes such as the launch of PSP V2.0 and e-passports, staff training, complaint resolution, and security protocols. The collective aim remains to deliver faster, safer, and more citizen-friendly passport services in line with India’s global aspirations.