London: India has made an unprecedented jump in the latest Henley Passport Index, climbing eight positions to reach the 77th spot globally. This significant advancement reflects India’s improved access to international destinations, with Indian passport holders now enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 59 countries up from 57 earlier this year.
The Henley Passport Index, which evaluates the strength of passports based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marks this as India’s biggest surge in a single edition. This achievement is widely seen as the result of sustained diplomatic efforts and new bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing India’s global mobility footprint. Among the notable countries granting visa-free or relaxed entry to Indian travelers are Kenya, Iran, and a growing list of Caribbean and Southeast Asian nations.
In contrast, global giants such as the United States and the United Kingdom have seen their rankings dip. The U.S. passport has fallen to 10th place, offering access to 182 countries without a visa down from its previous higher standing. The UK, though faring slightly better, now sits at the 6th position with visa-free access to 186 destinations. Experts attribute this relative decline to increasing geopolitical tensions, stricter immigration policies, and reduced international cooperation in some regions.
Another regional player, Saudi Arabia, also recorded notable progress, moving up to 54th in the rankings with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries. This improvement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, aimed at boosting global partnerships and tourism.
India’s rise, however, still leaves it behind some of its South Asian neighbors, such as the Maldives, which enjoys access to 94 countries. Nonetheless, the trajectory is promising, particularly as New Delhi continues to engage in strategic dialogues focused on easing travel barriers for its citizens.
The Henley report underscores how global mobility is increasingly being shaped by shifting diplomatic alignments rather than economic power alone. As Western nations face growing scrutiny over immigration controls, emerging economies like India are capitalizing on soft power, bilateral goodwill, and regional integration to expand their citizens’ global access.
This improvement in India’s passport strength comes at a time when the country is also emerging as a key player in international forums such as the G20 and BRICS. For Indian citizens, the boost means more seamless travel for tourism, business, education, and cultural exchanges an essential step toward becoming a truly global citizenry.