S. Jaishankar Unveils Passport Seva 2.0 and e-Passports Initiative
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the nationwide launch of e-Passports and the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0 on Tuesday, marking a significant advancement in citizen services and enhancing India’s global mobility framework. This announcement coincided with the 13th Passport Seva Divas, where Jaishankar emphasized the government’s commitment to improving citizen-centric services. The new system aims to utilize advanced technologies to provide greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in passport services.
Significant Growth in Passport Issuance
During his address, Minister Jaishankar highlighted the remarkable increase in passport issuance in India, which surged from 9.1 million in 2014 to 14.6 million in 2024. This growth reflects the government’s efforts to enhance service delivery and meet the rising demand for passports among citizens. The minister also mentioned that the pilot program for Global PSP V2.0 is currently underway and will soon be implemented in Indian missions abroad, further expanding the reach of passport services.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of the e-Passport initiative, which introduces contactless, chip-based documents designed to expedite and secure immigration processing. He described this development as a pivotal change in travel documentation, aimed at facilitating smoother international travel for Indian citizens.
Innovative Tools and Accessibility Enhancements
The introduction of the mPassport Police App is another key feature of the new system, which has successfully reduced the police verification process to just 5 to 7 days across 25 states and union territories. This app is part of a broader strategy to streamline the passport application process and enhance user experience.
To further improve accessibility, the government has established 10 new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) over the past year, including the 450th POPSK located in Kushinagar, which opened in April 2025. Additionally, mobile passport vans have been deployed to reach remote areas, ensuring that citizens in less accessible regions can also benefit from these services. These initiatives align with the government’s broader objectives of service delivery, good governance, and welfare for all citizens.
Celebrating Inclusivity and Innovation
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also participated in the Passport Seva Divas celebrations, commending the program’s focus on inclusivity and innovative practices. He highlighted initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and the establishment of TRIFED outlets at passport offices, which aim to enhance the overall experience for applicants.
Margherita reaffirmed the Ministry of External Affairs’ commitment to providing timely and citizen-friendly passport services under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Jaishankar. The event also featured a three-day Regional Passport Officers’ Conference, where discussions centered on service innovation, grievance redressal, and capacity building to strengthen the passport delivery ecosystem.
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