India ranks 84th in the global passport index, according to the latest rankings released by the Henley Passport Index. This ranking reflects the number of countries Indian passport holders can travel to without requiring a visa or with visa on arrival. The index takes into account visa regulations, political relations between countries, and reciprocal agreements.
The Indian passport allows its holders to travel to 58 countries without a visa, including popular tourist destinations like Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Additionally, Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in 25 countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Egypt. However, there are still many countries that require Indian travelers to obtain a visa before arrival, which can be a lengthy and costly process.
Compared to other countries in the region, India’s passport ranking is relatively low. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have much higher rankings, with their citizens enjoying visa-free access to hundreds of countries around the world. This reflects the diplomatic relations these countries have with other nations, as well as the overall global perception of their citizens.
In recent years, the Indian government has made efforts to improve the situation for Indian passport holders. Initiatives like the e-visa program have made it easier for Indian travelers to visit certain countries, cutting down on the time and cost of acquiring a visa. Additionally, the government has been negotiating visa waiver agreements with several countries, which would allow Indian citizens to travel visa-free for short visits.
Despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go for Indian passport holders to enjoy the same freedom of travel as citizens of other countries. The government needs to continue its efforts to improve diplomatic relations with other nations and negotiate for more visa waiver agreements. Additionally, improving overall security and reducing illegal immigration could also help improve India’s passport ranking in the future.
Overall, the ranking of the Indian passport on the global index reflects the country’s standing in the international community and its diplomatic relations with other nations. While progress has been made in recent years to improve the situation for Indian travelers, there is still work to be done to ensure that Indian citizens have the same freedom of travel as citizens of other countries. The government must continue its efforts to negotiate visa waiver agreements and improve overall security to increase the global mobility of Indian passport holders.
