India ranks below smaller economies on global passport index
Experts note that a passport’s strength reflects broader aspects of a country’s soft power, political stability, security measures, and international reputation
India's passport has slipped to 85th place out of 199 countries on the Henley Passport Index, marking a five-spot drop from the previous year despite an increase in visa-free access for Indian citizens.
The ranking places India alongside Mauritania and highlights ongoing challenges for Indian travelers seeking entry to Western and European countries, says the BBC.
Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to 57 countries, up from 52 in 2015.
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However, the global mobility landscape has become increasingly competitive, with the average number of destinations accessible without a visa nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025. Countries such as China have expanded their visa-free access significantly, helping improve their ranking.
Experts note that a passport's strength reflects broader aspects of a country's soft power, political stability, security measures, and international reputation.
Former Indian ambassador Achal Malhotra said, "Political upheavals can erode a country's image as stable and democratic, causing visa-free access to be chipped away over time." He also highlighted challenges related to immigration concerns and procedural inefficiencies, noting that India's passport "remains vulnerable to security threats."
India has taken steps to strengthen its travel documents, including the launch of an electronic passport with biometric data, aimed at improving security and facilitating smoother immigration processes. Analysts say continued diplomatic outreach and international travel agreements are crucial to boosting the nation's global mobility and passport ranking.
Despite being the world's fifth-largest economy, India ranks below smaller nations like Rwanda (78th), Ghana (74th), and Azerbaijan (72nd). Top-ranking Asian countries include Singapore (1st, 193 visa-free destinations), South Korea (2nd, 190), and Japan (3rd, 189).
Passport strength has broader implications for citizens' mobility, business opportunities, and learning prospects. A weak passport can create hurdles such as higher visa costs, additional paperwork, and longer waiting times, highlighting the strategic importance of global travel access for India's soft power and economic engagement.
