India's Passport Advances to 75th Spot in Global Power Rankings for 2026
India's passport has achieved a notable rise, ascending to the 75th position in the world's most powerful passports list, according to the latest data from the Henley Passport Index for February 2026. This marks a significant improvement from its 80th ranking at the start of the year, highlighting a gradual strengthening of the Indian passport in recent times.
Understanding the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is a periodic ranking that evaluates passports from nearly 200 countries based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without requiring a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. This index serves as a key indicator of global travel freedom and diplomatic influence.
India's Performance and Historical Context
India's current ranking at 75th reflects an improvement compared to last year, though its performance over a longer timeframe has shown considerable fluctuation. Despite recent gains, the passport's position remains below its level from a decade ago, with its best ranking being 71st, achieved back in 2006. At present, India still trails several countries in terms of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to destinations worldwide.
Global Trends: Asian Dominance and Western Decline
The latest rankings reveal a clear trend: Asian nations continue to dominate the top positions. Singapore leads the list with 192 visa-free destinations, followed closely by Japan and South Korea with 187. These countries benefit from strong diplomatic ties, robust economic relationships, and extensive global connectivity, maintaining their leadership largely unchanged in recent years.
In contrast, traditionally dominant Western countries have seen a weakening influence. The United States and the United Kingdom, which were among the strongest passports in 2014, have experienced noticeable drops. The United States now stands at 10th place, lagging behind 37 countries in terms of easy entry access for its passport holders.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports: February 2026 Rankings
- Singapore – 192 visa-free destinations
- Japan, South Korea – 187 visa-free destinations
- Sweden, United Arab Emirates – 186 visa-free destinations
- Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland – 185 visa-free destinations
- Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal – 184 visa-free destinations
- Hungary, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 visa-free destinations
- Australia, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, United Kingdom – 182 visa-free destinations
- Canada, Liechtenstein, Lithuania – 181 visa-free destinations
- Iceland – 180 visa-free destinations
- United States of America – 179 visa-free destinations
The rise in India's passport ranking underscores ongoing efforts to enhance global mobility and diplomatic outreach. As travel freedom becomes increasingly crucial in a interconnected world, such improvements signal positive steps for Indian citizens seeking international opportunities.
