Why in the News?

India has improved its global mobility ranking, moving up eight places to 77th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, up from 85th in 2024.

About Henley Passport Index, 2025

Overview: A global ranking of passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.
Compiled by: Published by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Coverage: Includes 227 travel destinations and is updated quarterly.
Purpose: Reflects changes in global mobility, international relations, and travel freedoms.

1st Rank: Singapore – Visa-free access to 193 destinations.
2nd Rank: Japan and South Korea – Access to 190 destinations.
3rd Rank (tie): Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland – Access to 189 destinations.
United States: Fell to 10th rank – Access to 182 destinations.
Overall Trend:
- Asian and European passports dominate top positions.
- Countries with restrictive or unstable foreign policies rank lower.

2025 Rank: 77th, up from 85th in 2024 – an 8-place improvement.
Access Level: Indian passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries.
New Additions: Philippines, Sri Lanka.
Context:
- Despite gaining access to only two new countries, India’s rank rose significantly due to global reshuffling.
- This marks a recovery from a 5-place drop in 2024, indicating improved travel diplomacy.

India ranks 77th in Henley Passport Index, 2025

[UPSC 2011] In terms of economy, the visit by foreign nationals to witness the XIX Commonwealth Games in India amounted to-

Options: (a) Export (b) Import (c) Production (d) Consumption