The 2025 Henley Passport Index has ranked India 85th out of 199 countries, a drop of five places from the previous year, despite India’s growing economic and diplomatic influence.

What the Index is

  • A global ranking based on how many countries a passport holder can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
  • Uses International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.
  • In 2025, Singapore tops the list (193 visa-free destinations), followed by Japan and South Korea (190).

Key Facts about India’s Passport Ranking

  • India now offers visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 57 destinations.
  • The ranking has fluctuated between 76th and 90th over the past decade.
  • Several smaller economies like Rwanda, Ghana, and Azerbaijan rank above India.
  • Shows that economic size ≠ passport strength; factors like trust, migration history, and diplomacy matter.

Why It Matters for India

  • A strong passport strengthens soft power, global mobility, business, education, and tourism opportunities.
  • A weaker passport increases visa costs, travel barriers, and paperwork for Indian citizens.

Why India Ranks Low

  • Limited reciprocal visa agreements.
  • Concerns over visa overstays and irregular migration by some Indian travellers.
  • Need for stronger passport security and global trust in India’s immigration systems.
  • Diplomatic negotiations on mobility remain limited.

Way Forward

  • Sign more bilateral visa-waiver agreements.
  • Strengthen passport security through biometric and digital upgrades (e-passport).
  • Use foreign policy to improve mobility diplomacy.
  • Align visa policy with trade, tourism, and diaspora strategy.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Which of the following statements about the Henley Passport Index are correct?

  1. It ranks passports based on the number of countries that can be visited without a prior visa.
  2. In 2025, the Indian passport ranks 85th with access to about 57 destinations.
  3. The Index is published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A. 1 and 2 only
 B. 2 and 3 only
 C. 1 and 3 only
 D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A. 

One-line wrap:
 India may be rising economically—but the global strength of its passport still struggles to keep pace.

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