The Indian passport has climbed eight places on the prestigious Henley Passport Index 2025, now ranking 77th worldwide. This improvement marks the largest year-on-year advance for India, underscoring the government’s growing focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and negotiating travel freedoms with partner nations.
India ranks 77th globally in July 2025 up from 85th last year, its biggest jump ever on the index. Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations without a prior visa either visa-free or via visa-on-arrival (VOA). The leap comes amid a year when many prominent countries’ ranks stagnated or declined, making India’s advancement more noteworthy.
Henley Passport Index’s annual report ranks passports by the number of countries accessible without a prior visa, drawing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). India now shares the 77th spot with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, all with access to 59 countries
India’s significant climb on the global passport index is attributed to active diplomatic efforts, successful bilateral negotiations, and recent improvement in travel freedoms. The government’s strategic outreach, especially with Asian nations and several African and Caribbean states, has resulted in eased entry requirements and expanded travel options for Indian citizens.