In a significant boost for India’s global mobility, the Indian passport has surged five positions in the latest Henley Passport Index, climbing to the 82nd rank. This marks one of the strongest improvements among major economies, reflecting enhanced diplomatic ties and visa-free access to 58 destinations worldwide.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks 199 passports based on the number of countries their holders can access without prior visa. India’s upward trajectory comes amid concerted bilateral efforts with key nations, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
‘This jump underscores India’s growing stature on the world stage,’ said a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. Recent agreements with Thailand, Indonesia, and several African countries have directly contributed to the expanded visa waiver list.
Comparatively, powerhouses like Japan and Singapore retain the top spots with access to 194 and 193 destinations respectively. However, India’s five-place leap outpaces regional peers such as Pakistan (at 100th) and outshines larger economies facing stagnation.
Experts attribute this rise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive passport diplomacy. Over the past year, India has inked visa-free pacts and extended visa-on-arrival facilities, easing travel for millions of Indian citizens pursuing education, business, and tourism abroad.
Looking ahead, officials hint at more breakthroughs. Negotiations with the European Union and Latin American bloc could propel India even higher in future rankings. For now, this achievement celebrates a more connected India, ready to embrace global opportunities.