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New Delhi: The Indian passport is gaining new ground on the global stage. According to the newly released Henley Passport Index 2026, India has climbed five spots to secure the 80th position, a notable improvement from its 85th-place finish last year.
The ranking, published by the London-based global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, reveals that Indian citizens can now traverse 55 countries and territories without the hurdle of a prior visa.
The anatomy of the rise
The climb to 80th place is being viewed as a byproduct of India’s strengthening diplomatic ties and growing economic footprint. The index, which utilises exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), monitors 227 different travel destinations.
While the jump is a positive signal for Indian travellers, the "mobility gap" remains wide when compared to the world’s elite travel documents.
The global leaders
For the third year running, Singapore reigns supreme as the world’s most powerful passport, granting its citizens seamless access to a staggering 192 destinations. Closely trailing are Japan and South Korea, both tied for second place with access to 188 destinations.
Where can Indians go? The 55-destination map
Indian passport holders can currently enter the following regions using a mix of visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Asia: Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka (ETA), Iran, Hong Kong (SAR), and Macao (SAR).
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, and Rwanda.
Middle East: Qatar (visa on arrival).
The Caribbean: Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Haiti, and Montserrat.
Pacific Islands: Fiji, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Palau, and Samoa.
The Americas: Bolivia and El Salvador.
(Note: Travellers are advised that visa conditions are subject to change and should be verified prior to departure.)
The power of the paper
The report emphasises that a passport is more than just a travel document; it is a reflection of a nation's "soft power."
Christian H Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and the visionary behind the index, highlighted the growing divide in global mobility. “Passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation,” Kaelin noted. He added that a nation’s ranking increasingly serves as a barometer for its political stability and diplomatic credibility.
