India passport strength jumps in Henley Index 2025: 5 Powerful Gains Revealed

New Delhi, July 24,2025: Indian citizens can now enter 59 countries without a prior visa, up from 57. The newly added visa-free destinations

What is India passport strength

“India passport strength” refers to the global mobility and diplomatic credibility of the Indian passport, measured by how many countries Indian citizens can visit without needing a visa in advance. The Henley Passport Index is the definitive ranking that assesses a passport’s power using IATA travel data.

5 Powerful Improvements in 2025

Biggest ever leap in ranking

In July 2025, India advanced 8 spots—from 85th to 77th place—the largest jump in its history.

Two new visa‑free destinations

Indian citizens can now enter 59 countries without a prior visa, up from 57. The newly added visa-free destinations are Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

. Record mobility score

This surge marks the highest mobility score ever recorded for Indian passport holders, flagging a trend toward improving diplomatic ties.

Regional leadership

India now ranks above neighboring nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Sri Lanka in travel freedom.

Asian passport rise

While India’s strength grows, Asian nations—especially Singapore, Japan, and South Korea—continue to dominate global mobility.

Which countries now welcome Indians visa‑free

Indian passport strength is reflected in access to diverse nations across continents. The 59 eligible countries include:

• Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand (visa‑free); Myanmar, Macau (VOA); new additions: Sri Lanka, Philippines
• Africa: Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritius, Madagascar, Kenya, etc.
• Oceania: Fiji, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue
• Caribbean & Americas: Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines

India remains far behind elite passports, but the positive trend is evident.

Why India passport strength matters

• Travel ease: Visa-free/VOA access saves time, hassle, and costs for tourists, business travelers, and students.
• Diplomatic reach: Better access reflects stronger international relations and reciprocity.
• Economic benefits: Easier mobility boosts tourism, international education, and diaspora opportunities.

Expert Opinions & Diplomatic Impacts

• Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Henley founder:
  “Access is earned—and must be maintained—through active and strategic diplomacy”.
• Reports highlight that visa policies also respond to income and mutual trust, so India’s middle‑income status and bilateral ties shape access.
• The focus now includes simplifying inbound visa processes to foster reciprocity.

Will India break into the top 50

To stay on this upward momentum and aim for top‑50 status, India could:

• Pursue bilateral visa waiver agreements with Schengen, North American, and East Asian regions.
• Streamline exit and re‑entry procedures to build reciprocal confidence.
• Enhance economic diplomacy, promoting people-to-people exchange and global collaboration.

External References

India passport strength has seen a historic leap in 2025—ranking 77th with visa-free access to 59 countries. While still far from top-tier passports, this trend symbolizes rising diplomatic influence and travel freedom for Indians. Continued collaboration, visa reforms, and strategic outreach could push India into elite ranks in upcoming years.