Panama
Strategic Logistics & Digital Gateway Partner
- Band cut
- ≥ 40
- Countries in band
- 104
The seven measures behind Panama's 47
Each is scored 0–100, where higher is always better. Open a row to read the analysis behind its number.
| Measure | Score | Position on 0–100 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | ||
| 95 | ||
| 61 | ||
| 40 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 72 | ||
| 15 |
Bonus considerations — useful, but they do not affect the score
These two are worked out for every country as context for a trip. They are not part of the 47 above, and nothing here can move it in either direction.
Higher means cheaper for an Indian traveller.
Higher means easier to eat vegetarian.
Why Panama?
The standing assessment behind the public sentiment reading of 95, rewritten at each refresh.
India-Panama relations demonstrate exceptional warmth and a strategic alignment, significantly reinforced by recent high-level diplomatic engagements in July 2026. Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez undertook a five-day official visit to India, engaging with key Indian ministers on various fronts. During this visit, Panama explicitly positioned India as a "strategic partner" and a "launchpad for Indian products or even Indian manufacturing products" into the wider Latin American and Caribbean markets, highlighting Panama's aspiration to diversify economic alliances and leverage India's growing economic footprint. Crucially, Panama sought India's partnership to safeguard the absolute neutrality of the Panama Canal, inviting India to join the canal's neutrality treaty, a testament to India's increasing global stature and Panama's deep trust. Furthermore, Panama expressed strong support for India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), recognizing India as an "emerging superpower" and the "biggest democracy in the world" deserving a greater role in global governance, and reiterated its "zero tolerance towards terrorism" in solidarity with India. These statements, coupled with reaffirmed discussions on the "long-standing maritime relationship" dating back to the 19th century and the acknowledged "significant contribution of the Indian diaspora," underscore the historical perception of India as a 'trusted friend' and elevate diplomatic ties to a new strategic level.
Reasons to visit
Panama is an enchanting Central American gem, perfect for Indian tourists seeking a blend of iconic marvels, lush nature, and vibrant culture. With a commendable Friendliness Index (BFI) indicating warm hospitality, visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere that makes exploring this diverse nation a true pleasure. The Safety Score is generally good in major tourist areas, providing peace of mind as you delve into its wonders. While its Popularity Score among Indian tourists is still emerging, this presents a unique opportunity to discover an 'off-the-beaten-path' destination without the overwhelming crowds, offering a more authentic and intimate travel experience. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to pristine Caribbean beaches, cloud forests, and a buzzing cosmopolitan capital, Panama promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, all while experiencing genuine Central American warmth.
Where Indian travellers go
- 1Panama City & The Panama Canal
- 2Bocas del Toro
- 3Boquete
Worth knowing
- Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean from the same point on a clear day.
- The Panama Canal generates a significant portion of the country's GDP and revolutionized global maritime trade, saving ships thousands of miles and weeks of travel.
- Panama boasts incredible biodiversity, with more bird species than the United States and Canada combined, and a quarter of its land protected as national parks or reserves.
In the record
- Band
- Neutral / Developing
- Trade rank
- 90
- Trade volume
- $0.6B
- Share of India’s trade
- 0.06%
- GDP
- $90.5B