New Delhi: Despite claims of rising global influence, India’s passport remains among the weakest in the G-20, ranking 85th in the latest Henley Passport Index.

This position, shared with Equatorial Guinea and Niger, allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just over 60 countries, far behind nations like Japan, the US, and Germany, whose passports grant access to over 180 destinations.

The weak ranking highlights challenges for young professionals, students, and business travellers. For example, 28-year-old Aditya Mehra, who secured a job in France, described his struggle with visa processes as “exhausting and expensive.”

Indian travellers often face lengthy documentation requirements, including financial proofs and travel histories, which complicate plans for both tourism and business.India’s position dropped from 80th in 2024 to 85th in 2025, continuing a downward trend that contradicts claims of growing international respect and influence. This disparity raises questions about the country’s diplomatic standing and global mobility.