India's Global Passport Strength Loses Grip: Descent into Darkness for Ordinary Citizens

New Delhi, Dec 2024 - India's position in the latest Henley Passport Index has slipped further downward, from 80th place in 2023 to 85th position this year, with only 57 destinations offering visa-free travel to its ordinary citizens. This stark reversal contradicts the notion of India's growing assertiveness and "Vishwaguru" (global leader) ambitions.

The Henley Passport Index, compiled by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures visa-free access to international destinations. A decline in this ranking indicates a reduction in passports offering ease of travel for its holders.

India's current position shares it with two African countries, Equatorial Guinea and Niger. The irony lies in India's efforts to re-emerge as a global player amidst heightened tensions between neighboring India and China, both of whom have seen an improvement in their passport rankings over the years.

The Henley Passport Index also highlights that the G-20 nations see Indians more like "tourists" rather than respected members on the global stage. The ranking showed that out of 20 member-nations, India ranks weakest with limited visa-free access compared to others such as Australia (6th), Canada (7th for the second year consecutively), USA (9th), and Turkey (46).

A similar downward trend is observed in comparison to fellow BRICS member nations. Countries like Brazil (18th), Russia (46), South Africa (48), which have seen better ranking improvements over the years, stand higher against India.

India's "Vishwaguru" campaign touted a trailblazer role for India at the G-20 summit held in 2023 seems to be taking a hit this year. The global community's perception may change as countries such as UAE (10th) and Indonesia (66) show better rankings than those from the BRICS group which initially started to rise during India's early years.

An interesting comparison shows China's journey over these years; in 2015, it was at the 94th position but after a decade of steady climb has become more secure with its passport ranking now at the 60th, offering visa-free travel access to 85 destinations.