Indian passport's global ranking slipped to 125th: Experts explain the real reason

India’s slide to 125th place in the 2026 Global Passport Index has sparked debate, with interpretations ranging from concern to dismissal. While some see it as a sign of declining mobility strength, others argue it reflects broader global shifts rather than a straightforward national downturn.

As Dr Aninda Sidhana, National President WICCI Psychosocial Mental Wellness Council, UN SDG Ambassador, and Next Generation Leader ISDRC, notes, the reaction to such rankings often overlooks the underlying complexity.

“India’s slide to 125th place in the 2026 Global Passport Index has triggered the familiar cycle of outrage and dismissal. One camp reads a single number as proof of national decline. The other waves it away as foreign mischief. Both miss the real story.”

She also highlights an important but often overlooked detail: India’s underlying score has improved.

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“India’s own passport score actually rose to 45.1, its highest level in five years,” she explains. “India improved, yet its rank slipped. That paradox, not the one-place drop, is what deserves attention.”

Two rankings, two different frameworks

Part of the confusion, according to Dr Sidhana, comes from treating different passport indices as if they measure the same thing.

“The Henley Passport Index focuses almost entirely on visa-free and visa-on-arrival access using airline data. On that scale, India sits around 80th,” she says.

“The Global Passport Index uses a wider set of indicators including mobility, investment climate, quality of life and dual citizenship rules. On that scale, India is 125th.”

She stresses that these frameworks answer different questions.

“These are two different rulers answering two different questions. Treating either as a definitive verdict on India’s global standing is how a routine data point becomes a national panic.”

Why rankings can fall even when scores improve

One key feature of global rankings is their relative nature. A country’s position can change even if its own performance improves.

“A country can strengthen its own position and still drop if others advance faster,” Dr Sidhana explains.

She points to faster mobility expansion in several regions.

“Many countries are actively expanding visa-free access. China has broadened access to a growing number of countries, Gulf states are negotiating new mobility agreements, and Southeast Asia is strengthening regional travel frameworks. Europe continues to refine its mobility systems.”

In this context, she says movement in rankings reflects broader global acceleration. “India didn’t weaken. Others moved faster," says Dr Sidhana.

Passport strength and the role of trust

Beyond technical indicators, Dr Sidhana emphasises that passport strength is closely linked to international trust and administrative confidence.

“Every visa waiver reflects trust in governance, border management, document systems, migration controls and diplomatic reliability,” she says.

She notes that India’s global role has expanded, but mobility systems evolve more gradually.

“India carries significant geopolitical weight today. It is a fast-growing economy, an active G20 participant and an important voice in the Global South.”

However, she adds that influence and mobility are not automatically aligned.

“Global influence does not directly translate into easier mobility for citizens. Diplomatic stature can grow faster than passport strength.”

Visa liberalisation, she explains, tends to progress slowly and incrementally.

“Visa liberalisation happens country by country, through reciprocity, security cooperation and sustained engagement. Economic growth helps, but trust is the determining factor.”

Here's what BRICS says

Dr Sidhana attended the recent BRICS conference where she she noted insights from the delegates present.

"We are among the world’s fastest‑growing major economies. Our voice carries weight in the G20. Through BRICS, India is helping shape conversations on development, finance, technology, and the future of the Global South," she quotes Indian representatives.

Emerging platforms and mobility prospects

Dr Sidhana points to groupings such as BRICS as potential avenues for deeper mobility cooperation, though she cautions against expecting immediate impact.

“BRICS provides a platform for strengthening people-to-people exchanges, including education, tourism and business travel,” she says.

“However, it will not by itself transform passport rankings. It is more of a long-term framework than a short-term solution.”

The human dimension of mobility

From a psychosocial perspective, Dr Sidhana highlights that passport data often masks lived experiences.

“Behind every mobility statistic is a human being,” she says.

She outlines everyday scenarios affected by visa systems. “A student waiting for approval before starting a course. A researcher trying to attend a conference. A professional exploring a new market. Families separated by documentation delays,” adds the expert.

Additionally, she also notes that these experiences carry emotional weight beyond policy discussions.

“For individuals, mobility is linked to opportunity, stability and connection. Delays or restrictions are not just administrative issues, they affect lived experience.”

She adds that smoother mobility can have broader social benefits.

“When legitimate travel becomes easier, it reduces uncertainty, supports ambition and strengthens family and professional networks.”

Rankings as indicators, not judgments

Dr Sidhana suggests that rankings should be viewed as analytical tools rather than definitive assessments.

“The more useful question is how India can translate its global standing into greater ease of movement for its citizens.”

She outlines several policy directions. "Expanding visa-waiver agreements, improving migration systems, strengthening document security and building mobility partnerships in education and skilled work," says the expert.

She emphasises that progress in these areas is cumulative.

“Each agreement contributes incrementally to trust-building and improved access.”

At the same time, she cautions against overinterpreting annual fluctuations.

“Rankings are indicators, not verdicts. They should inform policy discussion rather than define national perception.”

Conclusion: Mobility as an evolving frontier

India’s position in global mobility rankings reflects a mix of domestic progress and international dynamics. While economic and geopolitical influence continues to grow, mobility outcomes tend to evolve more slowly.

“India’s future will be shaped not only by its economic growth or diplomatic presence, but by how effectively its citizens are able to participate globally,” Dr Sidhana says.

She concludes with a broader framing of what a passport represents - "A passport reflects how the world engages with a country, shaped over time through trust, cooperation and consistency.”