Henley Passport Index: India rises to 75th, loses one visa-free destination
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims·
Why in news
India's passport rank improved to 75th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, despite a reduction in visa-free destinations to 56.
Background
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on a country's strength in foreign policy and global politics. India moved up 10 ranks from its 2025 position of 85th.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia's passport rank in Henley Passport Index 2026: 75th
- FactNumber of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders in 2026: 56
- FactCountries sharing the 75th rank with India: Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, and Mauritania
- FactWorld's most powerful passport in 2026: Singapore
For Mains
Q. Discuss how a country's passport strength reflects its diplomatic leverage and the importance of visa-free mobility in enhancing global economic integration.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Diplomatic leverage: Correlation between bilateral visa-waiver agreements and geopolitical alignment
- Economic mobility: Impact of visa-free access on ease of doing business and tourism flows
Keywords: Diplomatic leverage · Global mobility · Visa-free access · Geopolitical alignment · Economic integration
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