India’s Passport Power Rises to 77th: A Decade-long Leap and Global Comparison
India’s global standing is improving on multiple fronts—and one of the most symbolic indicators of this rise is the strength of its passport. As per the latest Henley Passport Index (July 2025), India has jumped to 77th position, gaining visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, marking the biggest leap in recent memory for the country. This is not just a bureaucratic ranking—it’s a sign of deeper diplomatic ties, increased global trust, and improved international standing.
This article delves into India’s decade-long passport power trajectory and compares it with major nations like the USA, UK, Japan, China, Singapore, UAE, and regional peers across South Asia.
From 2015 to 2025: India’s Passport Power Journey
In 2015, India ranked around 88th globally, with access to fewer than 50 countries without a pre-arranged visa. At that time, Indian citizens faced stricter entry requirements globally. The pandemic years (2020–2021) worsened this, with India slipping to its lowest rank (around 90th) due to travel bans.
However, the last few years saw a turnaround. As of mid-2025, India has reached its best position in nearly two decades—77th in the world, with access to 59 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. These include countries such as:
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Belarus
- Barbados
- Serbia
- Rwanda
- Mauritius
- Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and others in the region.
This growth is being driven by India’s rising diplomatic clout, enhanced bilateral agreements, and strategic outreach to South-East Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
South Asian Passport Power: India vs Neighbours
When comparing India with other South Asian countries, the improvement becomes more significant:
| Country | Henley Rank (2025) | Visa-Free Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| India | 77th | 59 |
| Sri Lanka | 97th | 41 |
| Nepal | 98th | 39 |
| Bhutan | 93rd | 44 |
| Bangladesh | 98th | 39 |
| Pakistan | 106th (4th lowest) | 33 |
| Afghanistan | 109th (last) | 28 |
India not only leads the region but also holds a significant gap over its closest South Asian peers in terms of mobility. While Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face more global visa restrictions, India’s improving diplomatic relations and economic influence have translated into greater travel freedom.
Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan rank among the bottom five globally, further underlining India’s relative progress.
China vs India: A Rising Asia Story
India and China have long been seen as rising global powers. However, in terms of passport strength, China is ahead:
- China: Ranked 60th, with access to 85 countries
- India: Ranked 77th, with access to 59 countries
Over the past 10 years, China has strategically secured visa-free arrangements across Africa, Central Asia, and parts of Latin America. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and active global presence have helped it boost diplomatic trust. Still, India is catching up steadily and now has more outreach into ASEAN nations and Commonwealth countries.
UAE: The Dark Horse Champion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is arguably the biggest success story in global passport rankings:
- In 2015, it ranked around 55th
- In 2025, it is among the Top 10, with access to 185 countries
This rapid rise is due to aggressive foreign policy, commercial diplomacy, and an effort to be seen as a neutral, open, and global hub. The UAE now enjoys visa-free access to nearly every major country in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
India’s diaspora in the UAE is massive, and better mutual relations could further aid India’s passport ambitions.
Singapore & Japan: Asia’s Passport Superpowers
- Singapore tops the global ranking at #1, with access to 195 countries visa-free or on arrival.
- Japan follows closely at #2, with 193 destinations.
These two Asian nations have combined strong diplomacy, soft power, and trust in governance and security screening to achieve near-total access. Singapore, in particular, benefits from its strategic neutrality, high-income status, and small population, making it easier for countries to grant reciprocal agreements.
United States: The Quiet Decline
Once the undisputed leader in passport power, the United States has now slipped to 10th place in 2025, offering access to about 182–186 destinations.
Factors that have contributed to this decline include:
- Rising global skepticism due to foreign policy inconsistency
- Reduced global mobility during and after COVID
- Reciprocal tightening of visa policies
Yet, the US passport remains a very strong one globally. For Indians, getting a US visa remains tough due to long wait times and strict vetting.
United Kingdom & EU Countries: Still Elite Tier
European countries dominate the top tier:
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain: All in Top 5
- Access to 190+ countries
- Easy intra-Europe travel due to the Schengen zone
Despite Brexit, the UK still retains visa-free access to over 185 destinations, and ranks around #6 in the world.
India’s challenge in accessing EU countries is partly bureaucratic and partly security-driven. However, some recent trade talks (like the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement) may improve mobility in future.
Summary Table: Passport Power Comparison (2025)
| Country | Rank | Visa-Free/VOA Access |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 1 | 195 |
| Japan | 2 | 193 |
| Germany/France | 3–5 | ~191 |
| UAE | Top 10 | 185 |
| USA | 10 | 182–186 |
| UK | ~6 | 185 |
| China | 60 | 85 |
| India | 77 | 59 |
| Sri Lanka | 97 | 41 |
| Bangladesh | 98 | 39 |
| Pakistan | 106 | 33 |
| Afghanistan | 109 | 28 |
Future Outlook: Can India Enter the Top 50?
India’s current momentum is encouraging. To climb further, India will need to:
- Negotiate reciprocal visa waivers with developed countries
- Improve internal security systems to reassure foreign governments
- Speed up its own visa processing systems, offering e-visas or visa-free travel to others
India’s growing economic might, soft power via diaspora and tech, and its role in global forums like the G20 can all be leveraged to strengthen its travel mobility.
Conclusion
India’s passport power in 2025 reflects the country’s broader geopolitical rise. From being in the lower tiers just a few years ago, it now enjoys mid-level access with momentum clearly on its side. While there is a long road ahead to catch up with global leaders like Singapore, Japan, and UAE, the direction is positive.
In a world increasingly defined by mobility, India’s rising passport power is more than symbolic—it’s a real asset for its citizens, its economy, and its global ambitions.
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