Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Congress party has taken a sharp jab at the Modi government over India’s fall in global passport rankings to 148th place, calling it a reflection of the country’s diminishing international standing and a source of hardship for Indian citizens.
A Weaker Passport Means Greater Trouble for Citizens: Congress
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party said that a weak passport ranking signifies a weaker global position and more difficulties for travelers, including increased scrutiny, visa rejections, and higher travel costs. Congress stated that such rankings are more than symbolic—they directly impact the lives and wallets of ordinary Indians.
Economic and Procedural Hurdles for Travelers
The Congress further noted that Indian travelers face multiple hurdles due to the passport’s weak standing. These include rigorous checks at immigration, higher visa fees, additional document requirements, and even frequent visa cancellations. Many travelers are forced to abandon trips, losing both time and money.
“If a passport is lost during a trip, it becomes extremely difficult to get an emergency passport issued,” the party highlighted, adding that this could leave citizens stranded abroad in times of crisis.
Massive Financial Losses Cited
Citing recent data, Congress alleged that Indian citizens lost ₹662 crore in just one year due to visa rejections. These losses are incurred through non-refundable visa fees, documentation costs, and other travel arrangements that go to waste when visas are denied.
Congress Takes a Dig at PM Modi
In a strongly worded statement, the party said, “The continuous decline in India’s global reputation, the increasing troubles faced by Indian citizens, and the economic losses incurred seem to mean little to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Taking a sarcastic swipe, Congress added, “He is laughing, smiling, helping his friends secure deals and doesn’t care about the plight of the common man.”
