New Delhi, May 12, 2025 — The Indian passport has shown a slight improvement in its global standing, according to the latest international passport index, signaling India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global mobility and diplomatic presence.
The new ranking places the Indian passport in the mid-range among global passports, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 60–65 countries. This marks a gradual but consistent rise in recent years, as the Indian government continues to negotiate travel agreements and strengthen bilateral ties with other nations.
While the Indian passport still trails behind top-ranked countries such as Japan, Germany, and Singapore—whose citizens can access over 180 destinations without a prior visa—it remains one of the stronger travel documents in South Asia.
Foreign affairs experts attribute the improvement to India’s proactive foreign policy, growing economic influence, and expanding footprint in multilateral organizations. “India is gaining more diplomatic traction, which is reflected in these rankings,” said Dr. Radhika Sen, a global policy analyst. “Though progress is slow, the trajectory is upward.”
However, the Indian passport still faces restrictions in parts of Europe and North America, where stricter visa requirements remain in place. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated it is actively pursuing visa liberalization talks with several countries to further ease travel for Indian citizens.
For many Indians, especially business travelers and students, easier access to more countries could bring increased opportunities and global engagement.
As the government continues to push for better mobility and international collaboration, the value of the Indian passport may gradually rise in the coming years—reflecting the nation’s broader aspirations on the world stage.
