Can you keep your India citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Not allowed
No, in general
Indian citizens who voluntarily acquire U.S. citizenship automatically lose Indian citizenship.
What the law says
- Indian citizens who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose Indian citizenship.
- Foreigners may become Indian citizens by naturalisation only after renouncing any previous nationalities.
- Dual citizenship is allowed only in certain cases of minor children.
- Indian citizens who permanently settle in Pakistan or Bangladesh also automatically lose Indian citizenship.
“Indian citizens who permanently settle in Pakistan or Bangladesh, or voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose Indian citizenship.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether India lets you keep yours.
Source: Indian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the India embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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