India’s passport has slipped to 85th position in the Henley Passport Index, marking a decline in its global standing despite an increase in visa-free travel options over the past decade. This downturn underscores the intensifying competition in international mobility and the influence of diplomatic and security factors on passport strength.
The latest update from the Henley Passport Index reveals that India’s passport now ranks 85th out of 199 countries, a drop from 80th place in 2024. Indian citizens can travel visa-free to 57 destinations, putting the country on par with Mauritania. This position is a setback for a nation that aspires to greater global influence, as passport strength often reflects a country’s soft power and international relations. The Indian government has not yet commented on the report, but the decline has sparked discussions among experts and travelers alike.
Over the past decade, India’s passport ranking has seen fluctuations, starting at 76th in 2014 when the current government took office. While the number of visa-free countries has increased from 52 to 57 during this period, the rank has deteriorated due to other nations forging more travel agreements. For instance, in July 2025, India was at 77th place with access to 59 countries, but lost two destinations by October, contributing to the fall. This pattern highlights how global mobility is becoming more competitive, with countries actively expanding visa-free access for their citizens.
Experts attribute the decline to a highly competitive global mobility landscape, where countries are entering into more travel partnerships to benefit their economies and citizens. China, for example, has jumped from 94th to 60th place over ten years by increasing its visa-free destinations from 50 to 82. This rapid improvement underscores how strategic diplomatic efforts can boost passport power, leaving slower-moving nations like India behind. The global average number of visa-free destinations has nearly doubled since 2006, intensifying the race for better rankings.
Several factors beyond diplomacy affect passport strength, including economic and political stability, security concerns, and immigration policies. Achal Malhotra, a former Indian ambassador, notes that events like the Khalistan movement in the 1980s and subsequent political upheavals have eroded India’s image as a stable democracy. Additionally, issues with passport fraud—such as the 203 arrests in Delhi in 2024 for alleged visa and passport fraud—and cumbersome visa processes hinder progress. Technological advances, like India’s e-passport with biometric chips, could improve security but require broader diplomatic outreach.
The impact of a weaker passport is tangible for Indian travelers, who face more paperwork, higher visa costs, and longer wait times. This reduces opportunities for business, education, and tourism, potentially stifling economic growth. In contrast, citizens of top-ranked countries like Singapore, which leads with 193 visa-free destinations, enjoy unparalleled mobility and ease of travel. The disparity is stark when comparing India to smaller economies like Rwanda and Ghana, which rank higher due to better travel agreements and stability.
Looking at global trends, the US passport has also suffered a historic decline, falling out of the top ten to 12th place for the first time, due to factors like reduced reciprocity and exclusion from new visa-free programs. Similarly, the UK has slipped to 8th place. These shifts indicate a rebalancing of global power, with Asian nations like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan dominating the top spots. The Henley Passport Index, updated quarterly, shows that mobility is increasingly tied to geopolitical strategies and bilateral agreements.
To improve its ranking, India could focus on enhancing diplomatic outreach, securing more travel agreements, and adopting technological solutions. However, experts emphasize that sustained efforts in political stability and international cooperation are crucial for long-term gains. The recent launch of the e-passport is a step forward, but more consistent policies and security measures are needed to regain trust and boost global mobility for Indian citizens. In conclusion, the drop in India’s passport ranking serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of global mobility and the need for strategic actions to bolster India’s position on the world stage.