World’s most powerful passports: India slips to 85th rank in 2024 list, France on top

France has secured the top spot in the Henley Passport Index 2024, while India's passport ranking slipped one place from 2023, moving from 84th to 85th position.

The Henley Passport Index ranks nations based on the strength of their passports. This year, France leads the list, as its passport grants visa-free access to 194 countries.

Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain are also among the top-ranked countries alongside France.

India's neighbour Pakistan remains in the same position at 106, while Bangladesh has slipped from 101st to 102nd position. Maldives, whose passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 96 countries, is placed at 58 on the list.

India's drop in the rankings comes even after recent announcements in 2024 that Indian passport holders could travel visa-free to 62 countries.