Government of India selects Gemalto to jump-start electronic passport program with first rollout for diplomats

Amsterdam, Sept 17 (ANI/Business Wire India): Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, today announces it has been selected to supply Gemalto's Sealys eTravel solution to India's National security printer, India Security Press.

This solution is used to start India's electronic passport rollout for Indian officials and diplomats.

This marks a major milestone for the Indian Government's Ministry of External Affairs, India Security Press, National Informatics Centre and Gemalto in improving immigration processing at airports and border control points as well as bolstering national security.

This Sealys eTravel offering forms the integral security and contactless communications component of the electronic passports that are manufactured by the India Security Press.

It includes the advanced secure operating system and microprocessor that stores and protects the holder's digital identity as well as the communications antenna.

The passports have been launched for Indian diplomats and Government Officials initially and in a second stage, the Indian government intends to deploy it for the general public.

Electronic passports help to significantly increase security and protection against fraudulent misuse and tampering thanks to the use of biometric features such as a digital photograph of the passport holder.

Additionally, speed and security are critical to ensure fast and reliable immigration flow and shorter queues at border crossings. The solution benefits from the global experience gained by Gemalto as world leader in electronic passport solutions.

Gemalto's offer is developed in full conformance with the SCOSTA-CL specifications of the Government of India.

This uniquely combines the international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) electronic passport specification with specifics of the Indian national SCOSTA specifications.

Tan Teck Lee, president Gemalto Asia added, "We are proud to be a part of this important advancement where we could again leverage on our leading experience and innovation to help governments provide greater security and new levels of convenience to citizens. This also demonstrates Gemalto's commitment to India by investing in the development of India specific products and solutions to bolster its existing contact SCOSTA based series of products".

Other Asian countries are expected to start nationwide rollout of biometric passports in the coming months. Gemalto's e-passport references include Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden and USA.

ANI