India Issues 80 Lakh E-Passports Since Rollout; MEA Confirms Wider Upgrade

India has issued around 80 lakh e-passports since their phased rollout began, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday. The initiative marks a major technological shift in the country’s passport ecosystem and is part of a comprehensive upgrade to strengthen security and improve convenience for applicants. Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until expiry and will continue to be accepted up to 2035.

Key Features of E-Passports

The e-passport incorporates an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna that stores key personal data in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. Officials emphasised that the same information is printed on the passport’s data page, reducing forgery risks. The chip’s data is read-only and can only be accessed during authorised checks, such as at immigration counters. In case of theft, once a police complaint is filed, authorities can lock the chip data.

Rollout Timeline and Global Integration

Pilot testing began in 2024 at Regional Passport Offices in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur. Following successful trials and certification, the nationwide rollout concluded in May 2025. Indian missions abroad have also issued approximately 62,000 e-passports since June this year. The upgraded system now cross-verifies embedded chip data with biometric information captured during the application process, ensuring higher security standards.

Fraud Prevention and Biometric Verification

The new system is designed to detect attempts at forgery or impersonation. If someone tries to obtain a passport using another person’s identity, the system will alert authorities if a passport with the same demographic data already exists. Biometric matching further flags fraudulent activity, while photographs meet ICAO standards to ensure global compliance.

Enhanced Passport Seva Programme

The introduction of e-passports accompanies the deployment of Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0), Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0) and AI-enabled services. New features include an enhanced website and mobile app with auto-filled forms, streamlined document upload and online payments via UPI or QR codes. AI-driven chat and voice assistants will guide applicants and assist with grievance redressal, improving transparency and user convenience.

Read More: How to Apply for India's New E-Passport?

Conclusion

India’s e-passport rollout represents a significant leap toward modernising travel documentation. With ICAO-compliant security features, biometric verification and digital integration, the initiative aims to curb fraud and enhance user experience. The government’s broader PSP V2.0 upgrade further strengthens transparency and efficiency in passport services. These measures collectively position India’s passport ecosystem on par with global standards.

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