What the Indian passport can learn from Singapore's, the world's most powerful

The Henley Passport Index 2025 was released on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Passport Index This year, Singapore has reclaimed its title as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to an impressive 195 out of 227 global destinations listed in the Henley Passport Index. As Manoj Dharmani, CEO of DUDigital Global, a company specialising in visa facilitation, tells India Today, “Singapore's passport has emerged as the world's most powerful travel document.” Strategic diplomatic relations At the heart of Singapore’s passport strength lies its robust diplomatic relations. Louis D’Souza, a travel expert and the director of Tamarind Global, explains, “Singapore’s emphasis on diplomatic ties, economic strength, and its status as a global hub for trade and tourism play pivotal roles in sustaining its passport power.” These strong alliances have earned Singapore a high degree of international trust, translating directly into greater travel freedom for its citizens. Photo: Henley and Partners “Through years of careful diplomacy, economic success, and stable governance, Singapore has transformed its little red passport into a golden ticket for global travel and thus international trust,” says Dharmani.