India has been ranked 148th out of 199 countries in the recently released Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025.

Published by international tax consultancy Nomad Capitalist, the annual index evaluates the world’s most and least powerful passports based on a range of factors, including visa-free travel, taxation policies, global perception, dual citizenship availability, and personal freedom.

India’s ranking places it alongside Comoros, a small East African nation with a population of just 8.5 lakh. Within South Asia, India finds itself behind several of its neighbours. Bhutan leads the subcontinent at 140th, while Sri Lanka stands at 168th. Nepal and Bangladesh follow closely at 180th and 181st respectively. Pakistan fares the worst in the region with a ranking of 195th.

The index aims not only to compare passports across the globe but also to track their evolution over time, providing insights into each country's rising or waning global influence.

Ireland has emerged as the strongest passport in 2025, narrowly edging out Switzerland. The report highlights Ireland’s superior visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, as well as fast-track citizenship options, as key factors contributing to its top position.

Asia's highest-ranked entry is the United Arab Emirates, which makes it into the top 10, sharing the position with Iceland and New Zealand.

The sharp drop in India’s position in the Nomad Capitalist ranking stands in stark contrast to its placement in the 2024 Henley Passport Index, where it was ranked 82nd. The discrepancy underscores the differing methodologies and criteria used by the two indices.