The latest Henley Passport Index report for 2023 has been released, and India has jumped up seven places from last year to grab the 80th spot. It shares the spot with two other countries - Togo and Senegal.
The last Henley Passport Index released in January 2023 had placed India's rank at the 85th spot, two places above 2022. Despite significant improvement in the rankings, the number of countries where Indian passport holders can avail visa-free access has reduced in the third quarter of 2023.
What does India's score mean?
India ranks at the 80th position, which means it provides visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to 57 countries worldwide. If we compare it to countries with the strongest passports, India has a long way to go. The number of countries Indian passport holders can visit, either without visas or via visa-on-arrival, has reduced from 60 countries in 2022 to 57 in 2023.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Senegal, Suriname and Mauritius are visa-free to India. Nations such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Kenya and Nigeria have visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders.
For more than 170 countries, Indian citizens need a visa to enter their territory. These nations include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Germany, Pakistan, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States.
India ranks 20 places above Pakistan, which has the fourth weakest passport in the world, and 16 places above Bangladesh, its other closest neighbour in the east.
Why is India's ranking low in the index?
India's low ranking suggests lower mobility of citizens across the world. There are many factors that impact the international mobility of the citizens of a country - particularly alluding to the political and security concerns related to immigration. More specifically, many countries are also concerned with the risks of over-immigration, stemming from India's large population, which threatens the security and economy of the host nation.
Such factors cause several countries to impose visa restrictions on citizens of other countries. It can so happen that lower mobility is blamed on the policies of the government. However, global mobility trends and travel policies of other countries also play a crucial role in the matter. The post-Brexit immigration policies in the UK is a good example - where visa restrictions were imposed on European Union (EU) citizens.
India's mobility score also depends on what kind of relationship it enjoys with other countries. These bilateral relations can enhance travel privileges and visa-free access policies. Currently, India is working on improving its bilateral relations with several countries.
Additionally, India's efforts to improve economic development and strengthened diplomatic relations can help in improving the mobility score and access foreign markets.
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