Why in news?
The July 2025 edition of the Henley Passport Index showed India jumping several places in the global ranking of passport strength. The index measures how many countries and territories holders of a passport can visit without a pre‑arranged visa.
Highlights
- India’s improvement: India rose eight spots to around 77th place (different sources cite ranks between 75 and 77). Indian passport holders now have visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to roughly 59 destinations, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
- Global leaders: Singapore topped the 2025 index, offering visa‑free access to 193 destinations. Japan, Germany and Spain also ranked highly.
- Methodology: The index, compiled by Henley & Partners, uses International Air Transport Association (IATA) data and counts destinations where travellers do not need a visa in advance. It does not account for factors like ease of obtaining visas on arrival, socio‑economic conditions or passport costs.
Significance
An improved ranking enhances mobility for Indians, benefitting students, tourists and businesspeople. It reflects growing bilateral agreements and India’s global engagement. Nevertheless, India still trails far behind developed countries in passport power, indicating scope to negotiate more visa waivers.
