Henley Passport Index: India Makes Big Jump! Why a 10-Place Rise Still Raises Concerns, Detailed Report Inside
Henley Passport Index: A significant update regarding the strength of the Indian passport on the global stage has recently emerged. In the latest rankings released by the widely cited ‘Henley Passport Index’, India has made a remarkable jump of 10 places. Previously ranked 85th in 2025, India has now climbed to the 75th position. While this appears to be a major achievement on the surface, a closer look at the statistics reveals a paradoxical reality.
Ranking vs. Reality: A Strange Equation
Typically, an improvement in passport ranking implies that citizens have gained easier access to more countries. However, the situation for India is quite the opposite. Despite climbing 10 spots in the ranking, the number of countries offering ‘Visa-free’ access to Indians has actually decreased. While Indian passport holders previously enjoyed visa-free or ‘Visa-on-Arrival’ access to 57 countries, that number has now dropped to 56.
Essentially, this rise in ranking is not due to an increase in India’s passport power, but rather due to a decline in the passport strength of other nations that were previously ranked above India. This makes the improvement relative rather than absolute.
Who Opened Doors and Who Closed Them?
Specific policy changes by certain nations are responsible for this recent shift. Here is a breakdown of the changes:
- Iran: This Middle Eastern nation has withdrawn visa-free travel facilities for Indians. The primary reasons cited include security concerns, human trafficking issues, and fake job rackets.
- Bolivia: This South American country has overhauled its entry rules. Travelers must now obtain mandatory ‘E-visa approval’ prior to travel. Since this approval is required before the journey begins, it no longer qualifies under the visa-free category of the index.
- Gambia: On a positive note, the West African nation of Gambia has opened its doors, allowing visa-free entry for Indian tourists.
Why Major Nations Remain Inaccessible?
Although India has reached the 75th rank, visa-free access to major destinations like the USA, UK, and Canada remains elusive. There are several structural and geopolitical reasons behind this:
- Illegal Migration: Incidents involving the ‘Donkey route’ or illegal border crossings severely damage the credibility of the Indian passport.
- Overstaying: There is a persistent issue of travelers staying in foreign countries beyond their visa expiry dates.
- Economic Factors: Lower GDP per capita and the fear of ‘fake employment migration’ compel foreign nations to maintain strict visa policies.
The Road Ahead
To truly enhance the strength of the Indian passport and increase its global acceptance, experts suggest specific measures. The full implementation of Biometric e-passports and direct bilateral negotiations with other countries are crucial steps. Furthermore, linking visa policies with trade agreements could potentially open doors to many more countries for Indian citizens in the future.
