India has slipped one place to 125th in the fifth edition of the Global Passport Index (GPI), even as the country recorded its highest overall score in five years, according to the latest report released by global residency and citizenship advisory firm Global Citizen Solutions (GCS).
The Indian passport ranked 125th among 197 countries, down from 124th last year but an improvement over its 127th position in 2021, when the index was first introduced. India is placed between Namibia (124th) and Azerbaijan (126th), while Singapore emerged as the highest-ranked Asian country and the only one from the region to feature among the world's top 20 passports.
Unlike several global passport rankings that focus primarily on visa-free travel, the Global Passport Index assesses passports using a broader framework that measures mobility, investment opportunities and quality of life.
Beyond visa-free travel
The index evaluates passports across three broad pillars, Enhanced Mobility (50 per cent), Investment (25 per cent) and Quality of Living (25 per cent) — based on 14 indicators.
India's composite score rose to 45.1, its highest since the rankings began. The report said Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 26 countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Jamaica, Barbados, Macau, Palestine, Tunisia and Angola.
However, Indian citizens continue to require visas for around 88 destinations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, China and the United Arab Emirates.
The report noted that while travel freedom remains an important factor, the index also considers the broader advantages a passport offers in terms of residence, business opportunities and living standards.
India improves in quality of life, investment
India recorded notable gains in two key categories despite the marginal drop in its overall ranking.
The country climbed to 118th in the Quality of Living Index, improving 11 places from 129th last year. The category evaluates factors such as healthcare, education, environmental conditions and personal safety.
India also moved up three places in the Investment Index, ranking 94th, reflecting improvements in indicators related to business and investment opportunities.
Within Asia, India ranks 29th. Neighbouring China is placed 104th globally, followed by Bhutan at 132nd, Sri Lanka at 141st, Nepal at 164th and Bangladesh at 166th. Pakistan is ranked 188th.
Singapore retained its position as Asia's strongest passport in the index, while European countries dominated the global top 10 rankings, underlining the continued strength of passports that combine extensive travel access with favourable living and investment conditions.
Also read: How does Indian passport fare globally?
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