In recent weeks, attention has been drawn to India's declining passport strength, as highlighted by a viral video from an Indian travel influencer who expressed frustration over the difficulties faced when attempting to travel abroad. The Henley Passport Index, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a visa, places India in the 85th position out of 199 countries, down five spots from last year.
This ranking places India alongside countries such as Mauritania while countries like Rwanda (78th), Ghana (74th), and Azerbaijan (72nd) rank higher despite their smaller economies. Historically, India's passport ranking has only marginally improved, frequently hovering in the 80s and even dropping to 90th in 2021. In stark contrast, Asian nations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore continue to lead, with Singapore securing the top spot in the current rankings.
Despite challenges in the passport's strength, there have been increases in the number of countries that offer visa-free travel to Indian citizens, rising from 52 countries in 2015 to 57 in 2025. Yet, as more nations forge new travel partnerships, India’s ranking suffers from both competitive disadvantages and perceptions of economic and political instability.
Experts liken this decline to several factors affecting global mobility, including immigration policies, political stability, security concerns, and the efficiency of visa processes. Recent reports indicate that instances of passport and visa fraud in India have raised concerns about the security of its passport, further complicating its global standing.
As the Indian government seeks to improve the situation, reliance on enhancing diplomatic relations and developing travel agreements will be vital to bolstering the passport's stature. The introduction of advanced technologies such as e-passports may aid in enhancing security, but comprehensive policy changes are essential for meaningful improvements.
