Indian passport at its highest rank in over decade, yet mobility gap remains wide
India's visa-free access has seen modest fluctuations over the past decade. In 2016, Indian passport holders could access 52 destinations without a prior visa, which dropped to 49 in 2017. However, the number rose sharply to 60 in 2018, marking one of the highest jumps in recent years. Since then, access has remained relatively stable, hovering between 58 and 62 countries.During the pandemic in 2021, while India's passport rank fell to its lowest, visa-free access still held steady at 58 destinations. In 2024, visa access peaked at 62 countries, before slightly declining to 59 in 2025, even as the ranking improved.Obtaining visa-free access to more countries can make international travel easier and more affordable for the public in India. It means they can visit other countries without going through long visa processes, saving both time and money. Students and jobseekers also benefit, as they can attend events, interviews, or educational fairs without worrying about visa delays.Regional comparisonAn analysis of key Asian nations shows that Singapore leads the global ranking, securing the top spot, followed closely by Japan and South Korea, which are tied for second place. The United Arab Emirates holds a strong position at eighth. Other countries like China, the Maldives, Turkey, and Thailand all rank higher than India.But in South Asia, India holds the second-highest passport ranking, just behind the Maldives. Maldives citizens can travel to 93 destinations without a visa, giving them a significantly higher degree of global mobility. All of India's neighbouring countries rank lower: Bhutan 84th, Sri Lanka 91st, Bangladesh 94th, Nepal 95th, and Pakistan 96th. Afghanistan remains the lowest globally, ranking 99th, with access to only 28 destinations.Limited mobilityDespite the recent improvement, the Indian passport still provides limited travel freedom compared to major Asian countries. The gap between India and the top-ranking passports remains significant, especially with many of them offering access to over 180 countries.While some countries have improved their global mobility, others have seen a steady decline. The United States, which once held the top position in 2014, has slipped to 10th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The United Kingdom, which was also among the top-ranking passports in 2014, is now sixth.- EndsMust Watch
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