Are There Any Restrictions on OCI Cardholders Joining the Indian Armed Forces?

I believe that OCI cardholders may be allowed to work and live in India, but they are legally considered foreigners only. Which is why they are not allowed to cast a vote, hold political office, serve in the Indian government, or join the Indian Armed Forces.

I hold an OCI card and am currently working with a foreign military organization. I applied to join the Indian Army, but my application was rejected because I was informed that foreign military personnel are not permitted to join the Indian Armed Forces. It is only permitted for Indian citizens.

I read somewhere that if you are born in India and have acquired foreign citizenship, then you cannot also join the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Constitution does not permit the concept of dual citizenship. Although OCI cardholders enjoy numerous benefits, they are not considered Indian citizens and are therefore not eligible to serve in the armed forces.

The answer is clearly 'no'. The Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, primarily employ Indian citizens as personnel. While there may be exceptions for people of Indian origin who have migrated and wish to settle in India, the general rule is that only the citizens of India can join the armed forces.

Unfortunately, no, because the OCI status is a form of permanent residency, not citizenship. Therefore, it does grant you all the rights of an Indian citizen, including the right to serve in the military. Serving in the Indian armed forces requires Indian citizenship, which is the basic requirement for staffing and deployment.