Just before the new year, the Indian passport has suffered a major collin.  The Indian passport has slipped from 80th to 85th position in the global rankings.  The United States has also faced a significant blow. The Henley Passport Index 2025 has released its new list, and the US passport has also dropped in the rankings, falling from 10th to 12th place.

The standing of the Indian passport has weakened globally. Last year, India was ranked 80th in the global rankings. This year, the Indian passport has dropped 5 places to 85th. However, Singapore has maintained its top position. The Henley Passport Index 2025 list announces the rankings of Passports worldwide.

Due to the decline in the Indian passport's ranking, Indian citizens can now travel visa-free to only 56 to 59 countries worldwide.  Singapore citizens can travel to 193 countries, while South Korean citizens can travel to 190 countries, Japanese citizens to 189 countries, and citizens of Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland to 187 countries.

What is the reason for the decline ?

India's Strict Visa Policy

India itself Adopts strict rules for granting visas to citizens of many countries.  This has the effect of discouraging other countries from granting visa exemptions to Indian travelers.

The strict of visa policies and global diplomatic shifts are contributing to the decline in the ranking of the Indian passport.