The Indian government said on Thursday that there was no plan at present to extend the dual citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin in countries beyond the identified seven nations – the US, UK, Canada, the European mainland, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

"At present there is no plan to extend the dual citizenship to more countries. It was not an easy decision to give dual citizenship to PIO's in certain countries due to various complications - legal and security. It is a big step," foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said when asked if dual citizenship will be extended to PIOs other than those living in the seven countries.

However, he said: "This is the first step, let's see what could be done after this."

Addressing the Indian diaspora in New Delhi at a function, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced that PIOs in certain countries will be given dual citizenship and a legislation to facilitate it will be introduced in the Budget session of Parliament beginning next month.