The latest rankings released by the Henley Passport Index show that the India passport has slipped from 75th position in February to 78th position globally.
Despite the decline in ranking, Indian passport holders continue to gain wider international travel access through visa free entry, visa on arrival and electronic travel authorisation facilities.
According to the latest data, Indian citizens can now travel to 56 countries without requiring a pre approved visa.
Among these destinations, 30 countries allow completely visa free entry for Indian travellers, while 23 countries provide visa on arrival facilities. Three additional countries offer entry through electronic travel authorisation systems.
Popular visa free destinations for Indian passport holders include Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Philippines.
Other destinations offering visa free access include Caribbean island nations such as Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, along with several African and Pacific island nations.
Countries providing visa on arrival for Indian travellers include Indonesia, Jordan, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Qatar and Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, countries including Kenya, Seychelles and Saint Kitts and Nevis allow entry through electronic travel authorisation systems.
The updated rankings come amid global discussions on visa policies and international mobility, including recent political debates in the United States regarding restrictions on H-1B visa programmes.
Despite the ranking drop, the increase in easier travel access is expected to benefit Indian tourists, business travellers and expatriates seeking international travel opportunities.
