India has achieved a remarkable milestone in global mobility, with the Indian passport jumping eight spots to 77th place in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025. This represents the country’s strongest improvement ever and marks the biggest climb by any nation in the last six months.
Indian Passport 2025: Key Rankings Overview
| Index | Previous Rank | Current Rank | Visa-Free Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henley Passport Index | 85th (January 2025) | 77th (July 2025) | 59 destinations |
| Global Passport Index | 67th | 66th | Similar access |
| Regional Comparison | Behind UAE, Singapore | Improved mobility | Enhanced diplomatic ties |
What This Ranking Improvement Means
Indian citizens now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries and territories, representing a significant boost for business travelers and tourists alike. India now shares the 77th spot with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, demonstrating the country’s growing diplomatic influence.
The improvement reflects India’s strengthened international relationships and successful negotiations for travel freedoms. This upward trajectory indicates the government’s focused efforts on enhancing global mobility for its citizens through strategic diplomatic initiatives.
Top Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Travelers
Popular visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders include Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Maldives, and several Caribbean nations. Thailand tops the list of visa-free countries for Indian travelers, offering pristine beaches, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.
The expanded access opens new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs, students, and tourists seeking hassle-free international travel experiences.
Global Context and Future Outlook
While Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index, followed by Japan and South Korea, India’s consistent upward movement signals positive momentum. This helped India gain two destinations to its visa-free tally after dropping five spots last year.
The ranking improvement comes at a crucial time when global mobility is recovering post-pandemic, positioning Indian citizens for enhanced international opportunities in business, education, and leisure travel.
This upward shift highlights enhanced global mobility for Indian citizens and reflects the country’s increasing diplomatic influence in international travel, indicating sustained progress in India’s soft power projection globally.
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FAQs
How many countries can Indian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?
Indian passport holders can now visit 59 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access.
What was India’s previous ranking in the Henley Passport Index?
India previously ranked 85th in January 2025, making this an 8-spot improvement.
