Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 24: In a significant boost to India’s global mobility, the Indian passport has climbed three spots to secure the 77th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2025, up from 80th last year. The latest index, released on July 18 by London-based Henley and Partners, reflects an improved standing for India on the international travel map.

With this new ranking, Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges — up from 57 in 2024. This enhancement grants Indian citizens broader access and increased ease in international travel.

India has now outperformed several of its South Asian neighbours, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, in the passport power list. The country's highest-ever ranking on the index remains 71st, achieved back in 2006.

Among the countries offering hassle-free entry to Indian travellers are popular Asian destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives. Meanwhile, places like Macau and Myanmar extend visa-on-arrival facilities, making them more accessible than before.

The Henley Passport Index is widely considered a global benchmark for passport strength, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), tracking the number of destinations holders of a particular passport can enter without prior visa arrangements.

With increased diplomatic engagement and bilateral agreements, India continues to strengthen its global travel partnerships — a trend experts expect to improve further in the coming years.