Once seen as a limiting document for global travel, the Indian passport is now making headlines for all the right reasons. In just six months, it has climbed eight spots in the Henley Passport Index, reaching its highest-ever position at 77. For Indian travellers, this means access to 59 destinations without the hassle of a visa, a shift that reflects not just convenience, but also India’s rising stature on the world stage.
A Decade of Change
Henley & Partners, the firm behind the index, compared mobility trends over the past decade. India’s rise from 85th to 77th this year is the sharpest half-yearly improvement globally. Over the last ten years, other countries have also surged ahead. The United Arab Emirates moved up 34 places and entered the top 10 for the first time. China also gained 34 spots, despite limited access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked passport, with its holders able to access only 25 countries without a visa.
India’s Expanding Global Reach
The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without a prior visa. With 59 countries now offering Indian passport holders either visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (eTA), global travel has become easier for many Indians.
This access covers a range of countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. It includes destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Mauritius, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Kenya, and Serbia. Many of these are popular with tourists and business travellers alike.
The increased access is particularly significant at a time when international travel is recovering post-pandemic. It also reflects India’s growing diplomatic relationships and rising global influence.
The World’s Strongest Passports in 2025
According to the latest index, six countries currently top the list, allowing passport holders to travel to 194 destinations without a visa. These are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. Finland, South Korea, and Sweden follow closely behind.
India, by comparison, still has a long way to go in terms of visa-free reach. However, the sharp rise in rankings shows promise and growing trust in India’s mobility credentials.
What’s Driving the Shift?
Analysts say India’s improved rank could be tied to several factors. These include new bilateral agreements, simplified visa protocols, and India’s stable global image. With Indian travellers spending more abroad and outbound tourism steadily increasing, many countries are relaxing entry norms to tap into this growing market.
The country’s active role in global diplomacy and trade has also helped build stronger ties, opening more borders for Indian citizens.
The rise of the Indian passport in global rankings is more than a number. It reflects India’s expanding influence and the increasing respect its citizens enjoy abroad. While challenges remain, the trajectory is upward, and that’s a sign of progress.
