Indian Passport Climbs to 75th Rank in Henley Passport Index 2026: A Major Boost for India’s Global Mobility
Singapore Retains Top Spot; Japan and South Korea Follow in Global Passport Power Rankings
By Home Academy | Current Affairs 2026
In a significant development for India’s global standing, the Indian passport has jumped 10 places to secure the 75th position in the recently released Henley & Partners Passport Index 2026. This improvement reflects India’s growing diplomatic influence and strengthening international relations.
The latest edition of the Henley & Partners Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative global mobility rankings.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley & Partners Passport Index ranks countries according to the number of destinations their passport holders can visit visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access. The data is compiled in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is updated regularly.
A higher rank indicates stronger global mobility and greater international acceptance.
India’s Performance in 2026
India’s rise to the 75th position marks a notable improvement compared to previous years. The 10-spot jump indicates:
• Strengthening diplomatic ties
• Expanding visa-free agreements
• Improved global perception of India
• Strategic international engagements
Top Countries in Henley Passport Index 2026
🥇 1st Rank – Singapore
Singapore continues to hold the top position, offering its citizens the highest number of visa-free destinations worldwide.
🥈 2nd Rank – Japan
Japan secured the second position, reflecting its strong diplomatic presence and economic stability.
🥉 3rd Rank – South Korea
South Korea followed closely, maintaining a high level of global mobility access for its citizens.
Why Passport Rankings Matter
Passport strength is often considered a reflection of:
• A country’s diplomatic relationships
• Economic strength
• Political stability
• Global trust and cooperation
An improvement in ranking enhances opportunities for:
• Tourism
• Business expansion
• International education
• Employment prospects
India’s Growing Global Presence
India’s improved passport ranking aligns with its expanding role in global diplomacy, trade agreements, and strategic partnerships. Over the past few years, India has actively strengthened ties with various nations across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
This upward movement in ranking also reflects India's consistent engagement in global forums such as the G20 and international summits.
Exam Highlights (Important for Competitive Exams)
• Index Name: Henley Passport Index 2026
• India Rank: 75th
• Improvement: Jumped 10 positions
• Top Rank: Singapore
• Second Rank: Japan
• Third Rank: South Korea
• Based on: Visa-free and visa-on-arrival access
Conclusion
The rise of the Indian passport to the 75th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026 is a positive sign of India’s expanding global footprint. While countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea continue to dominate the rankings, India’s improvement demonstrates steady progress in international mobility and diplomatic outreach.
For students preparing for current affairs examinations, this development is highly relevant and expected to feature in upcoming competitive exams.
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