India has moved down by one spot in the recently released Henley Passport Index 2023 to the 85th position, even as its passport holders now have visa-free entry to 62 countries compared to 60 last year. France occupies the top position.
The index by Henley & Partners covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. Updated annually, it serves as a key reference for global passport strength based on cross-border access a country’s citizens enjoy.
Marginal Gains for China, US
Among Asian powers, China has witnessed a small jump in its ranking to 64th from 66th in 2023 after the country granted EU visa relaxations to revive tourism. The US passport ranking also climbed to 6th from 7th as immigration policies polarize American politics.
India’s neighbourhood presents contrasts. Thailand, Singapore gained, while Pakistan stagnated at 106. But, Denmark, Italy and Sweden slipped even as Germany jointly topped alongside France.
Mobility Doubled Since 2006 Interestingly, since 2006 when citizens could access just 58 destinations sans visas on an average, ease of travel has nearly doubled with visa-free options now touching 111 – highlighting global mobility growth amid geopolitical fluxes.
As scores shift gear year-on-year, passport strength underscores diplomatic bargaining power. But critics argue internal socio-economic equality defines national power more accurately than cross-border travel privileges alone.
