NEW DELHI — India’s passport slipped to 125th place in the 2026 Global Passport Index, a one‑position drop from its 2025 ranking, according to the latest report released by the index’s publishers. The ranking evaluates passports on a range of factors, including the ease of international travel as well as the benefits they confer for living, working and investing abroad.
The index, which aggregates data from immigration policies, visa‑free access, and economic opportunities for citizens, placed India ahead of several lower‑ranked nations but behind a majority of both developed and emerging economies. The report noted that while India’s visa‑free access to 60 countries remained unchanged, other countries improved their scores by expanding bilateral agreements and offering additional residency or investment pathways for foreign passport holders.
The decline was attributed to incremental improvements by competing nations rather than any substantive weakening of India’s own passport privileges. For example, neighboring Bangladesh and Nepal each gained two spots after negotiating broader visa‑free travel arrangements with additional Asian and African states.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs did not issue an immediate comment on the ranking. In a statement released earlier this month, a ministry spokesperson emphasized that the government continues to negotiate visa‑free and visa‑on‑arrival agreements to enhance mobility for Indian citizens.
Analysts said the index’s broader methodology, which now places greater weight on “living, working and investing” benefits, reflects a shift in how global mobility is measured. “Passport power is no longer just about tourism,” said a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research who was not involved in the index’s compilation. “Countries that can offer their citizens easier pathways to work or invest abroad are gaining an edge, and that’s where India needs to focus.”
Despite the modest slide, the report highlighted that India remains the most populous nation among the top 130 passports, underscoring the significance of its large diaspora and the government’s ongoing efforts to expand overseas opportunities for its citizens.
Analysis: The one‑spot drop is unlikely to have an immediate practical impact on Indian travelers, who already enjoy visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to a substantial number of countries. However, the index’s expanded criteria could influence future policy discussions, prompting the government to prioritize bilateral labor and investment agreements. Observers note that enhancing the “living, working and investing” dimensions may require coordinated action across ministries, including foreign affairs, commerce and labor, as well as engagement with multinational corporations and diaspora groups.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “India ranks 125th in Global Passport Index 2026, slips one spot from last year,” July 5 2026, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-ranks-125th-in-global-passport-index-2026-slips-one-spot-from-last-year-101783216644352.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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