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Earlier this year, a video by a popular travel content creator expressing frustration over the limited power of the Indian passport gained massive traction on social media.

The influencer stated although nearby nations like Bhutan and Sri Lanka offered easier access of travelers from India, securing travel permits for visiting most Western and European countries continued to be difficult.

Such concerns with the limited global access of Indian passports was reflected in recent global passport ranking, which placed India at position eighty-five out of 199 countries, a decline of five positions compared to the previous year.

The Indian government have not issued a statement regarding these findings yet.

Countries like Rwanda, Ghana and Azerbaijan despite smaller economic size than India – which is the world's fifth biggest economy – are ranked higher in the ranking in the seventies range, respectively.

In fact, the country's position over the last ten years has remained in the 80s, falling to ninetieth place in 2021. Such standings are dismal compared to Asian nations like Japan, South Korea and Singapore, all maintaining top positions.

Global Passport Power Measures

The power of a passport reflects a country's global influence and global influence. This leads to better mobility for its citizens, boosting business and educational prospects. A weak passport results in more paperwork, higher visa costs, fewer travel privileges and extended processing periods when journeying.

But despite the decline in the rank, the number of countries offering visa-free access for Indian citizens has grown in the past decade or so.

As an instance, eight years ago – when the current administration's ruling party came to power – fifty-two nations provided visa-free access for Indian passport holders and its passport at seventy-sixth position on the index.

The following year, it fell to the 85th position, then improved to 80th over the past two years, dropping again to the eighty-fifth spot currently. Meanwhile, countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians grew from fifty-two eight years ago to 60 in 2023 and 62 in 2024.

The Competitive Global Mobility Landscape

The number of visa-free destinations in 2025 (fifty-seven) exceeds the number in 2015 (fifty-two), yet the country's position for both these years is 85. So, why is that?

Analysts note that a major reason is the increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility – meaning countries are entering into additional travel agreements to benefit their citizens and economic growth. As per recent analysis, the worldwide mean number of destinations people can visit visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to one hundred nine currently.

As an illustration, China has expanded the number of visa-free countries available to its citizens from 50 to 82 over the last ten years. As a result, its rank in the ranking has enhanced from ninety-fourth to sixtieth in that same duration.

Meanwhile, India – previously positioned at seventy-seventh place in July – dropped to eighty-fifth place this autumn after losing access of two nations.

Other Influences Impacting Passport Power

An ex-diplomat from India notes multiple elements influencing a nation's passport power, like economic and political conditions plus its receptiveness to welcoming citizens from other countries.

For instance, the US passport has fallen of the top 10 and now occupies twelfth place – a historic low – because of its more inward-looking approach in world politics.

The diplomat recalls that during the seventies, Indians enjoyed visa-free travel to numerous European and Western nations, but that changed following Sikh separatist movement during the eighties. Later political disturbances have further chipped away the country's reputation as a stable, democratic country.

"Many countries are also becoming increasingly wary regarding migrants," he stated. "The country possesses a high number of citizens emigrating to other countries or remaining beyond visa limits affecting the national image."

Factors such as how secure of a national passport and immigration processes also contribute to obtaining visa-free entry to foreign nations.

Enhanced Security Measures

India's passport faces ongoing security threats. Last year, law enforcement detained 203 people for alleged visa and passport fraud. The country also has cumbersome immigration procedures with lengthy timelines for visa approvals.

The diplomat indicated that new technologies, like India's recently-launched electronic passport or e-passport, may enhance safety and ease the immigration process. The e-passport includes a small chip holding biometric information, making it harder to counterfeit or alter the passport.

But, more diplomatic outreach and travel partnerships continue essential to boosting international travel freedom of Indians and consequently, the Indian passport's global position.