Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
Recently the Global Passport Index was released.
Global Passport Index (GPI) – The ranking is published annually by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS).
It measures the overall strength of a passport by assessing not only the number of countries its holders can access but also the economic and social advantages associated with the issuing country.
Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) – It is a global mobility consultancy that evaluates passports based on mobility, investment attractiveness, and quality of life.
Unlike passport rankings based solely on visa-free travel, the GPI adopts a broader multidimensional approach.
Methodology – The Index uses 15 indicators grouped under three pillars:
Enhanced Mobility Index (50%)
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.
Global desirability of the passport based on the issuing country's quality of life.
Investment Index (25%)
Global competitiveness.
Gross National Income (GNI).
Personal income tax rates.
Overall investment attractiveness.
Quality of Life Index (25%)
Sustainable development.
Cost of living.
Happiness and overall living standards.
India's Performance
Rank (2026) – 125 out of 197 countries.
Previous Rank (2025) – 124.
Ranks (2021–2023) – 127 in each of the first three editions.
India ranks below Namibia (124th) and behind countries such as Philippines, Morocco, and Uzbekistan.
It ranks above Azerbaijan (126th), while Pakistan is placed much lower at 188th.
