According to an official of the passport section of the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, Indian nationals who wish to apply for a passport are required to prove their citizenship (1 Aug. 1995). The official added that identification documents, including birth certificates, that provide information on the identity of applicants, their date and place of birth and the identity of their parents are acceptable.

A representative of India Abroad in Toronto stated that applicants for Indian passports are required to prove their citizenship (1 Aug. 1995). Birth certificates or other types of identification documents, that prove the citizenship of holders by providing information such as their place and date of birth, are acceptable (ibid.). The representative added that this information is based on his personal knowledge and is not an official or expert view on the subject.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

High Commission for the Republic of India, Ottawa. 1 August 1995. Telephone interview with official of the passport section.

India Abroad, Toronto. 1 August 1995. Telephone interview with representative.