India has been ranked 168th in the world for the power of its passport in 2023, according to the latest rankings released by the Henley Passport Index. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year when India was ranked 170th. The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries based on the travel freedom that their passports offer, with higher rankings indicating greater mobility for citizens.
The Indian passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations around the world. This includes popular tourist destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Maldives. However, Indian passport holders still face significant restrictions when it comes to traveling to countries in Europe and North America. The United States, the United Kingdom, and most European countries require Indian citizens to obtain a visa before they can enter.
Despite these limitations, the Indian passport has been steadily climbing the ranks in recent years. This is due in large part to the efforts of the Indian government to improve its diplomatic relations with other countries. In 2023, India signed visa waiver agreements with several countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing Indian citizens to travel to these countries without a visa.
Another factor contributing to the increase in India’s passport ranking is the growing number of Indians traveling abroad for tourism, education, and business. The Indian middle class is expanding rapidly, with more people able to afford international travel. This has led to an increase in demand for visa-free travel options and has put pressure on the government to negotiate agreements with other countries to facilitate easier travel for Indian citizens.
The Indian government has also been working to streamline its visa application process and make it easier for citizens to obtain visas for countries that require them. The introduction of e-visas for several countries has been a major step forward in this regard, allowing Indian travelers to apply for visas online and receive them quickly and easily.
Despite these positive developments, India still lags behind many of its Asian neighbors in terms of passport power. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea consistently rank at the top of the Henley Passport Index, with their citizens enjoying visa-free access to over 180 destinations around the world. India has a long way to go to catch up to these countries, but the recent improvements in its passport ranking are a step in the right direction.
In order to continue climbing the ranks of the Henley Passport Index, India will need to continue strengthening its diplomatic ties with other countries and negotiating visa waiver agreements. The government should also work to improve its visa application process and make it easier for Indian citizens to travel abroad. With the right policies and initiatives in place, India could see its passport ranking continue to rise in the coming years, opening up new opportunities for its citizens to explore the world.
