India’s passport has taken a hit, dropping to 85th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, five spots lower than last year. From its peak of 71st in 2006 to a low of 90th in 2021, India’s global mobility is clearly facing hurdles. Despite the country’s rising global stature, it’s struggling to unlock more visa-free travel options for its citizens.

While Singapore continues to reign supreme at the top, India’s slide stands out, especially when compared to its neighbors, Pakistan (103rd) and Bangladesh (100th). Interestingly, global powers like the US saw a drop to 9th, while China climbed to 60th, showing a shift in global travel dynamics.

So why did India fall? Despite its growing economic clout, India still lags behind when it comes to travel access. The lack of broader visa-free agreements means its passport holders face more restrictions, affecting everything from business to leisure travel.

As nations like China surge ahead, India needs to rethink its global mobility strategies to boost its passport ranking in the years to come.