India extends OCI card eligibility to sixth generation in Sri Lanka

India has extended the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to the sixth generation of Indians living in Sri Lanka. The announcement was made by Indian Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan during his two-day visit to the island nation.

Till now, the OCI cards were applied to the fourth generation of Indians living in Sri Lanka. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, at a press briefing in Colombo, said, "In the case of Sri Lanka, this will now be extended to the fifth and sixth generations of the diaspora. OCI cards would now be issued on the basis of documents that, in several cases, are issued by the government of Sri Lanka.”

Radhakrishnan met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as they discussed bilateral ties between the two nations. The two leaders also reviewed the progress of India-backed projects in Sri Lanka, with particular focus on the $450 million Cyclone Ditwah assistance extended by India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

More from World

They discussed fishermen's issues on humanitarian grounds, mulling ways to improve their livelihoods, as it remains a contentious issue between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Misri said the discussions highlighted India’s transformation from a traditional neighbour into a dependable “first responder” in times of regional crisis.

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake expressed deep appreciation for India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, pointing to key interventions that helped stabilise the island nation — including India’s financial support during the 2022 economic crisis and assistance following Cyclone Ditwah last year, according to the MEA.