India Climbs to 78th Place in Global Passport Rankings: A Closer Look

In a notable update from the 2026 Henley Passport Index, India has secured the 78th position out of 199 nations in the global rankings of passport strength. This marks an improvement from its previous standing of 85th just a few months ago in October. The Henley Passport Index, which is published by the citizenship and residency consultancy firm Henley and Partners, assesses the power of passports based on the number of destinations accessible to citizens without the need for a pre-departure visa.

According to the latest findings, Indian passport holders can now travel to 56 countries without requiring a visa, a slight decline from the 57 countries permitted earlier this year. This fluctuation highlights the dynamic nature of global visa regulations, which can change frequently based on diplomatic relations and international agreements. Notably, in 2024, projections indicated that Indians would have access to 62 countries visa-free, with the passport ranking at that time estimated at 80th.

When examining India’s historical performance in the passport index, it is evident that the nation has experienced considerable fluctuations over the years. For instance, in 2021, India was ranked at its lowest, 90th, while its peak ranking was recorded in 2006 at 71st. This inconsistency reflects the ongoing changes in international relations and travel policies that affect India’s standing.

In comparison to its regional neighbors, India performs significantly better than Pakistan, which is ranked 100th, although it has shown improvement from its previous ranking of 103rd. Bangladesh follows closely behind at 96th. These comparisons underscore the varying degrees of travel freedom among South Asian countries and highlight the importance of passport strength in global mobility.

On a global scale, Singapore continues to dominate the Henley Passport Index, retaining the top position with its citizens enjoying the ability to travel to 192 destinations without a visa. Japan and South Korea are tied for second place, with their passports granting access to 187 countries. Meanwhile, the weakest passport remains at the bottom of the list, illustrating the disparities in mobility that exist around the world.

Source: scroll.in