India Drops to 85th in Henley Passport Index 2025, Singapore Retains Top Position

India’s passport has fallen to the 85th position in the latest Henley Passport Index, marking a significant decline from its previous ranking of 80th. This drop underscores the ongoing challenges that Indian passport holders face in terms of global mobility, despite the country’s growing geopolitical influence and global partnerships.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a prior visa. India’s current standing places it below several other Asian countries, including Singapore, which has retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport for the second consecutive year. With visa-free access to 195 destinations, Singapore’s passport remains a symbol of the nation’s strong diplomatic and economic ties across the globe.

In comparison, India’s passport allows visa-free travel to just 60 destinations, making it one of the least powerful passports in Asia. The drop in India’s rank highlights the ongoing barriers to international travel, particularly for Indian nationals seeking to visit countries in Europe and North America, where visa requirements remain stringent. This decline could be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing diplomatic relations, global security concerns, and international trade dynamics.

The United States has also experienced a drop in the Henley rankings, now placed in 9th position, with access to 186 countries without a visa. Other countries in the top 10 include Japan, South Korea, and Germany, each offering significant travel freedom.

The Henley Passport Index, which uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other sources, is widely considered one of the most comprehensive passport strength rankings. It provides a snapshot of global mobility and visa-free access trends.

India’s government has faced increasing calls to enhance its diplomatic relations and improve visa-free travel agreements with countries around the world. A concerted push for better access to international destinations could help India reclaim a higher rank in the future, boosting its citizens’ global mobility.