The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched a comprehensive national initiative to issue high-security e-passports, setting a bold target to have all Indian passports in circulation chipped by the year 2035. An e-passport, which looks nearly identical to the traditional booklet, features a tiny electronic chip embedded beneath the Ashoka Pillar on the cover. 

This chip securely stores all personal and biometric data of the holder, dramatically increasing security and making forgery virtually impossible. The MEA has already issued over 80 lakh e-passports as of May 2025, with all new or renewed passports since May 28, 2025, being issued in this upgraded format. 

According to the Secretary of the Consular Passport and Visa Division, the chipped documents are secure, convenient, and compliant with international airport regulations, significantly enhancing the integrity of Indian travel documents globally. The key benefit for travelers is expedited immigration, as the chip can be quickly scanned at automated e-gates, reducing wait times dramatically under the government's 'trusted traveler program' and simplifying identity verification for officers. 

To ensure accessibility for all citizens, the MEA is rapidly expanding its Passport Facilitation Centres, aiming to establish one in every single Lok Sabha constituency.