The Henley Passport Index has delivered cheer for India, with its passport advancing five places to secure the 82nd global position. This enhancement allows access to 58 destinations without visas, bolstering India’s position among emerging economies.
Renowned for its rigorous methodology drawing from IATA’s Timatic database, the index evaluates passports from 199 nations and territories. India’s ascent is fueled by strategic visa liberalization agreements forged over recent quarters.
Key contributors include expanded visa-free travel to Thailand, Indonesia, Seychelles, and Barbados, alongside visa-on-arrival in Sri Lanka and Nepal. These developments stem from high-level engagements prioritizing people-to-people connectivity.
In context, this positions India ahead of Nigeria (89th) and Vietnam (88th), while trailing neighbors like the UAE (8th). The gap with leaders—Spain, with 194 visa-free spots—remains wide, but momentum is building.
Government sources credit proactive diplomacy under the ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighborhood First’ policies. Business travelers and students stand to benefit most, as smoother access facilitates economic and educational exchanges.
As global migration patterns shift post-pandemic, such rankings gain added relevance. India’s climb signals resilience and foresight in international relations, paving the way for sustained improvements in passport power.