Indian Passport Ranking Improves in 2025

Indian Passport Ranking Improves in 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, India’s passport ranking improved in the Henley Passport Index 2025. Indian passport holders now have access to more countries without needing a prior visa or can obtain one after arrival. This change reflects growing global trust and brings hope for easier international travel. 

Key Highlights of Indian Passport Ranking Improves in 2025

• India’s passport has moved from the 85th position in 2024 to 77th in July 2025. This upward shift of eight spots represents India’s highest jump in recent years. 
• Indian travelers can visit 59 nations either without a visa or by receiving it upon arrival. In 2024, the count stood at 57.  
• Popular Asian destinations such as Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia now allow visa-free access. 
• Countries like Macau and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival facilities, easing short-term travel for Indian tourists and business travelers alike.
• Two new countries, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, have joined the list of destinations Indian travelers can visit without a prior visa. These reflect stronger regional cooperation in South and Southeast Asia. 
• India’s neighboring countries, Pakistan (96th) and Bangladesh (94th) continue to rank lower in global mobility. 

Why Passport Strength Matters in Today’s World

• Reflects Global Trust: When a passport offers visa-free access to many countries, it shows that other nations trust the passport-issuing country. Countries are more likely to ease entry for nationals of nations they consider reliable and well-governed.

• Trade Benefits: Passport strength directly impacts economic activity and trade. When business professionals can travel freely, it becomes easier to attend global meetings, set up partnerships, and attract foreign investments. In 2024, delays in visa processing caused losses to many Indian startups trying to expand globally. A stronger passport makes such expansion efforts smoother and faster.

• Influence of Foreign Policy: A nation’s foreign policy decisions shape how other countries view it. The country’s rise in the Henley Passport Index reflects years of diplomatic efforts, improved bilateral agreements, and active participation in international forums. Foreign ministries work continuously to build relations that later translate into easier travel rules for their citizens. 

• Global Mobility Boosts: For students, passport strength matters just as much as academic merit. Countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry make international education more accessible. This type of change benefits students exploring regional universities or short-term research programs. A stronger passport thus creates pathways to learning beyond borders.

Also Read: Passport (Amendment) Rules 2025

Reasons Behind India’s Rise in the Passport Index

• Strengthening of Bilateral Agreements: India has focused on building stronger ties with countries through bilateral agreements. Since 2022, India has signed multiple agreements with countries in Southeast Asia and Africa, aimed at improving people-to-people connections and business exchanges. As a result, countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka allowed visa-free access to Indian passport holders.

• Focus on Soft Power: India has increased its global outreach through cultural diplomacy and soft power initiatives. Organizations like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have organized events in over 50 countries to promote Indian culture, yoga, and language. The country also hosted major international summits, such as the G20 in 2023. These events helped enhance India’s international image. 

• Digitization of Passport: In recent years, India has modernized its passport and immigration infrastructure. The introduction of e-passports in 2022 began a new chapter in secure and efficient travel documentation. These e-passports include embedded chips that store biometric data, making identification faster and more reliable at international borders. The Ministry of External Affairs expanded Passport Seva Kendras to remote areas, speeding up the passport issuance process. These internal reforms increased international confidence.

• Stable Regional Cooperation: By maintaining a neutral and cooperative stance in international conflicts, India has built long-term relationships with countries across continents. Regional cooperation through organizations like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and ASEAN has led to stronger travel ties with member nations.