Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 11:12 IST
As digital innovations like biometric e-passports and AI-driven border systems take hold, the future of Indian travel is poised to be more seamless, secure than ever before.
As India’s economic, diplomatic, and technological influence expands on the global stage, the Indian passport is undergoing a quiet transformation—one that promises to redefine travel possibilities for over a billion people.
The Indian passport, traditionally viewed as a symbol of national identity, has often been a reminder of the limitations placed on its holders in terms of global mobility. Travelers have long faced the cumbersome process of visa applications, lengthy queues, and a limited selection of countries offering visa-free access. However, in recent years, as India’s economic, diplomatic, and technological influence expands on the global stage, the Indian passport is undergoing a quiet transformation—one that promises to redefine travel possibilities for over a billion people.
While the strength of a passport is often measured by the number of visa-free destinations it grants, it is, in many ways, a reflection of a nation’s global standing, its influence in international policy, and the trust it commands from other nations. India, recognized as the fifth-largest economy in the world, is steadily reshaping how it is perceived globally, and this shift is beginning to extend to the passport held by its citizens.
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Currently, Indian passport holders have access to more than 60 countries offering visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa entry. These include popular travel destinations across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. As India continues to strengthen its international relationships, expand trade networks, and emphasize global innovation, the country is entering into new travel agreements and diplomatic dialogues to make travel easier for its citizens.
One of the most exciting developments in this transformation is India’s embrace of digital identity systems, such as DigiLocker, Aadhaar, and DigiYatra. These systems are set to enable seamless biometric verification and facilitate the adoption of e-visas, allowing Indian travelers to navigate international borders with ease. Countries like Singapore, the UAE, and parts of Europe are already exploring these tech-driven solutions, which could soon become the norm for Indian passport holders.
Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder, Alike, reflects on this growing mobility, stating, “The Indian passport is slowly but surely gaining altitude—currently ranked 84th with visa-free access to 58 countries. What was once a symbol of red tape is now evolving into a badge of soft power, thanks to strategic diplomacy and economic heft. Recent bilateral moves—like visa waivers from Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka—signal a shift in how the world sees Indian travelers.”
He continues, “At Alike, we’re seeing real-time spikes in travel to visa-relaxed regions, showing just how closely mobility follows policy. With India’s outbound tourists spending over $12 billion annually pre-pandemic, more countries—from ASEAN to parts of Africa and Latin America—are rolling out the red carpet. The next leap? AI & Tech. Biometric e-passports, digital IDs, and smarter border systems are set to make Indian travel frictionless and secure. Western visa regimes may take longer to soften, but expect longer validity and easier processes ahead. By 2030, we could realistically see access to 80–85 destinations—marking not just stronger passport power, but India’s rising voice in the global travel narrative.”
In addition to digital identity systems, bilateral relationships between India and other countries play a crucial role in enhancing travel access. India’s ties with nations like Australia, Japan, France, and the UK have grown stronger, not just in terms of trade but also in fostering people-to-people connections. These relationships often translate into more relaxed visa requirements, particularly for professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, further facilitating travel for Indian citizens.
“The Indian passport’s 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, down from 80th in 2024, reflects the natural ebb and flow of global mobility,” explains Mohak Nahta, Founder & CEO of Atlys. “Given India’s status as the world’s fifth-largest economy—with GDP growth consistently above 6%—and its recovering tourism sector, there is clear incentive on both sides for new visa arrangements. Countries across the world are slowly recognizing the value of easier access for travelers who drive tourism revenue, cross-border business travel, and cultural exchange.”
Nahta also highlights the power of India’s vast diaspora, which numbers over 18 million people worldwide. This global community acts as a bridge, fostering stronger economic ties and mutual understanding. As more countries recognize the economic and cultural value of India’s outbound travelers, reciprocal travel policies are becoming more common, paving the way for smoother travel experiences for Indian passport holders.
“India’s diaspora serves as a living bridge, showing how reciprocal travel policies can strengthen economic ties and mutual understanding,” Nahta adds. “By pairing this diplomatic momentum with streamlined visa processes, we can simplify applications while upholding high standards of security and trust. At Atlys, our mission is to enable everyone to travel freely, regardless of passport strength. Through pragmatic policy dialogue and ongoing technology enhancements, India can gradually broaden its global reach and empower millions to cross borders with confidence.”
As India continues to grow in economic and diplomatic stature, the future of the Indian passport looks increasingly bright. With strategic international relationships, technological advancements, and a growing recognition of India’s global importance, Indian passport holders are set to enjoy greater mobility than ever before. The passport that once symbolized the challenges of international travel is now on the cusp of becoming one of the world’s most powerful documents, opening new doors for India’s citizens to engage with the world on their terms.
By 2030, it is predicted that Indian passport holders may have access to 80–85 destinations—marking not just a stronger passport, but a louder voice for India in the global travel narrative. As digital innovations like biometric e-passports and AI-driven border systems take hold, the future of Indian travel is poised to be more seamless, secure, and far-reaching than ever before.
SOURCE : NEWS 18
