New Delhi — The Henley Passport Index released Thursday shows India’s passport slipping one position in the global ranking, moving from 84th to 85th place among 110 countries assessed for visa‑free travel access. The downgrade reflects a decrease in the number of destinations Indian citizens can enter without a prior visa, now totaling 60 countries, down from 61 in the previous edition.
The index, compiled by Henley & Partners and based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures the number of jurisdictions that grant visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival entry. According to the latest report, several nations tightened entry requirements for Indian travelers, contributing to the modest decline.
India’s ranking remains ahead of several other populous nations, including Pakistan (94th) and Bangladesh (92nd), but trails behind regional peers such as the United Arab Emirates (33rd) and Saudi Arabia (48th). Analysts note that the shift underscores the growing competition for travel freedom as countries reassess security and immigration policies.
Analysis: The one‑spot drop, while relatively minor, may have broader implications for Indian citizens and businesses that rely on international mobility. A lower ranking can affect perceptions of India’s diplomatic reach and may influence decisions by multinational firms when assigning employees abroad. However, the overall number of visa‑free destinations remains modest compared with higher‑ranking passports, suggesting limited immediate impact on most travelers.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a statement regarding the new ranking. Observers point to the need for continued diplomatic engagement to negotiate reciprocal visa arrangements, especially with nations that have recently imposed stricter entry rules.
Sources
DW.com, “India news: Indian passport slips one spot in global ranking,” Google News India, https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxNczVjTmZobWRkd1NpYU5QeWIxNzIzYzYwV0YxTXpzekF6MVZOUXdidGtQRldkdDY0VTYyQmxqZmVjMG1pU2x5UTV0RGpNVk9kWmVUZnBEM2VVbVdDdUFaY2JSanFoY1ZaNmhuUjdrYnNlalZIX1U3N21DcEhjWFpZWWNXOHlxelVHUWc0VEJFeXEwMnRjXzAxeGFHQQ?oc=5
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India — source
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