INDIAN PASSPORT: THE WAY AHEAD FOR ENHANCING ITS VALUE

The most direct route to increasing the value of the Indian passport is by fostering stronger bilateral relationships with other countries. This involves proactive diplomatic engagement aimed at securing visa waiver agreements or more favourable visa-on-arrival policies for Indian passport holders

- Ravi Saini

The Indian passport serves as a crucial document for international travel, embodying the identity and nationality of its holder. However, its global value, measured by the ease of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other nations, currently stands at a rank of 73 out of 92 according to the Global Passport Power Rank, and 85th according to the Henley Passport Index of 2025. While this represents a gradual improvement from previous years, there is significant potential to enhance its standing, thereby offering greater global mobility and convenience to Indian citizens. This article outlines a multi-pronged approach to elevate the value and utility of the Indian passport.

I. Strengthening Diplomatic Ties and Reciprocal Agreements:

The most direct route to increasing the value of the Indian passport is by fostering stronger bilateral relationships with other countries. This involves proactive diplomatic engagement aimed at securing visa waiver agreements or more favourable visa-on-arrival policies for Indian passport holders.

Targeted Negotiations: The Ministry of External Affairs should prioritise negotiations with countries that offer significant economic, educational, or tourism opportunities for Indians. A focused approach, based on mutual benefit and reciprocity, can yield positive outcomes. For instance, if India simplifies visa processes for tourists from a particular nation, it can leverage this to negotiate easier access for Indian travellers to that country.

Reciprocity as a Core Principle: While extending visa facilities to foreign nationals is a gesture of goodwill and can boost tourism, ensuring reciprocity is vital for enhancing the passport's value. India should actively pursue agreements where visa-free or visa-on-arrival access is granted to Indian citizens in return for similar facilitations.