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India’s Shocking Drop In Passport Index: 5 Reasons For Its Global Mobility Struggle

India’s plunge to 85th in the Passport Index sparks outrage—what’s holding back our global mobility potential?

India has returned to the Henley & Partners Passport Index to rank 85 from 80. In the detailed index, a score has been assigned considering the number of locations that a passport holder may visit with and without a visa. This has led to discussions on whether Indian citizenship ranks high regarding global mobility and the extent of challenges for Indian travellers.

What Is the Henley & Partners Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking of passports, reflecting the ease of international travel for citizens of different countries. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) data and independent research rank passports according to the number of countries that allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. The index is updated every three months.

Japan, which held the top position for several years, has been dethroned this year by Singapore, allowing visa-free access to 192 destinations. In contrast, India’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 59 destinations, placing it far behind global leaders and some of its regional peers.

India’s Current Ranking and Regional Comparison

India slipped to 85th rank with no marked endeavours reported for better bilateral treaties and international alliances besides improvement in visa-free travels. Regional rivals such as China and Sri Lanka remained or rose higher, questioning whether India had taken the steps required to elevate the passport rank worldwide.

Henley Passport Index
According to independent research and statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passports are ranked by the number of nations that permit admission without a visa or with a visa upon arrival.
  • China: Significantly ranked higher due to the increasing international engagements and practical diplomatic efforts.
  • Sri Lanka: The passport of Sri Lanka is relatively weaker, yet it is gaining at the same rate as India’s ranking, showing that the regional competitiveness is rising.
  • Pakistan: The rank is way below 100+; thus, it is substantial for India as its rank declined.

Factors Contributing to India’s Decline

  1. Limited Bilateral Agreements: India has not aggressively pushed for visa liberalization agreements with other countries. Several nations, such as the UAE and Qatar, have had multiple contracts for citizens to use their global mobility better; India hasn’t kept pace.
  2. Bureaucratic Challenges: The Indian government’s policy of complex rules regarding visa issuances and reciprocals is hampering potential growth in visa-free travel.
  3. Global Geopolitics: With the change in global politics, countries focus on signing agreements with economically or strategically important partners. Although India has gained much international status, it has not yet used its influence to enhance mobility for its citizens.
  4. Pandemic Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global mobility, and while countries like Singapore and UAE bounced back with stronger travel frameworks, India’s progress has been slower.
  5. Pandemic Recovery: The pandemic from COVID-19 severely affected the mobility of the world.  Singapore and UAE have returned with a stronger travel framework, but India’s recovery has been slow.

Why Passport Strength Matters

A strong passport is more than a travel document; it reflects a country’s diplomatic relations, economic partnerships, and global influence. Here’s why passport strength is crucial:

Different types of Indian passports
India has not aggressively pushed for visa liberalization agreements with other countries.
  • Ease of Travel: A strong passport helps citizens travel without hassle and boosts tourism and business opportunities.
  • Economic Benefits: Improved global mobility directly impacts the economy by attracting foreign investments and decreasing barriers for businesses.
  • Diplomatic Influence: The more substantial the passport, the stronger the diplomatic influence of its country and, importantly, its negotiation strength.
  • Global Perception: Passport rankings often influence how a country’s citizens are perceived abroad, affecting everything from job prospects to social interactions.

Comparison with Global Leaders

Countries like Singapore, Japan, and Germany always hold the top ranks in the Henley Passport Index because of proactive diplomacy and sound travel frameworks. Let’s explore what these nations do differently:

  • Singapore: Singapore tops the index with 192 destinations it can travel to, all because of its strategic partnerships and efficient negotiation processes.
  • Germany: The regional block‘s strength is clearly shown through the collective agreements made by the European Unionputting Germany at high rank.
  • Japan: Although it slipped slightly this year, Japan’s strong bilateral agreements and visa-waiver programs keep it among the top-ranking nations.

Impact on Indian Citizens

The fall in the ranking of Indian passports has real-world implications for its citizens:

Student Visa Application
A strong passport is more than a travel document; it reflects a country’s diplomatic relations,
  1. Increased Travel Costs: The more visa requirements, the more expensive and longer the travellers wait.
  2. Reduced Opportunities: This also limits the mobility of Indian students, professionals and entrepreneurs globally.
  3. Perception Challenges: Indian citizens face many bureaucratic processes when applying for a visa, which can be lessened by strong passport.
  4. Cumbersome Procedures: Indian citizens often face bureaucratic hurdles when applying for visas, which a stronger passport could mitigate.

Steps India Can Take to Improve Ranking

  1. Strengthen Bilateral Relations: India should fortify its agreements to liberalize visas with significant trading and tourist partners. Thanks to relations with Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa, Indian visitors will have access to new holiday destinations.
  2. Streamline Domestic Processes: Simplifying bureaucratic hurdles for visa issuance and travel documentation can make international travel more accessible.
  3. Leverage Economic Influence: Since India is one of the fastest-growing economies, it can use its economic muscle to get better travel deals for its people.
  4. Invest in Soft Power: India is rich in culture and has a significant diaspora population worldwide. Promoting cultural diplomacy can strengthen international relations.
  5. Focus on Regional Leadership: South Asia could provide the impetus for collective benefit among each participating state, putting India on that leadership pedestal.
  6. Enhanced Public Awareness: Public and civil society discourse among Indian citizenry could increase sensitivities about building strength in international travel and help Indian citizens begin advocating for improving international mobility that helps in reform.
  7. Modernized Infrastructure: Immigration and passport services may be modernized through technology to facilitate the fastening of travel processes and overall experience for Indian travellers.
Traveling in India: Essentials to Know Before You Go
Indian citizens often face bureaucratic hurdles when applying for visas, which a stronger passport could mitigate.

Conclusion

India’s one-place slide from rank 80 to 85 in the Henley & Partners Passport Index should be an eye-opener for policy think tanks and their stakeholders. The slip might indicate improvement opportunities, but brilliant strategy implementation and proactive foreign diplomacy can push India ahead. With this improvement, there will be better handling of challenges, utilization of comparative advantages, and international cooperation, which can increase the movement of Indians worldwide into and through national borders. It is not merely a passport but a sign of national pride and economic progress on the global front.

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