India’s Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) continue to face challenges in exercising their right to vote, despite being legally eligible under Indian law. Currently, NRIs can vote only if they are physically present in their registered constituency on polling day, a condition that limits participation for millions living abroad.
Current Status of NRI Voting Rights
The Indian government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) have examined several options to expand voting access for overseas citizens. These include proxy voting, postal ballots, and technology-based solutions such as remote or online voting. While proxy voting was proposed through amendments to the Representation of the People Act, it has not yet been widely implemented due to concerns over transparency and possible misuse.
The ECI has also conducted studies on remote voting methods, but security, logistical, and legal challenges have slowed progress. As a result, no alternative voting mechanism for NRIs has been rolled out nationwide so far.
While NRIs are legally eligible to vote in India by registering and voting in person at their constituency, there is currently no nationwide system for postal or online voting. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, although over 119,000 NRIs were registered, only a small number managed to cast their votes due to travel and logistical challenges. Proposals for proxy, postal, or internet voting are under discussion, but no law has yet been implemented to allow remote voting, leaving most overseas Indians unable to participate easily in elections.
Experts say enabling secure overseas voting would strengthen democratic participation and improve engagement with India’s global diaspora, which plays a major role in remittances and foreign investment. Until reforms are finalized, most NRIs remain effectively excluded from the electoral process.
