India’s passport ranked 78th among 199 countries

India was ranked 78th out of 199 countries in a list of the world’s most powerful passports, according to a report of the 2026 Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday.

It was ranked 85th in October.

The index, published by citizenship and residence consultancy firm Henley and Partners, measures the strength of passports based on how many destinations can be accessed by the citizens of a country without a pre-departure visa.

Indians can travel to 56 countries without a visa, as per the latest index.

In October, the index showed that Indians could travel to 57 countries without a visa. In 2024, Indian passport holders could travel to 62 countries without a visa, with India ranking 80th on the list at the time.

According to data available on the firm’s website for years between 2006 and 2026, India ranked the lowest at 90 in 2021. Its best ranking was 71 in 2006.

Among India’s neighbours, Pakistan stood at 100, an improvement from the 103rd rank recorded in October, and Bangladesh was at 96, which ranked 100th.

Singapore retained its top rank in the passport index. Citizens of the Southeast Asian city-state can travel to 192 countries without a pre-departure visa.

Japan and South Korea, with 187 visa-free destinations, were jointly ranked as the second strongest passport.

The weakest passport remained...

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