Indian nationals eligible to get 5 year multi entry schengen visa - EU's new rules

Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity under a new visa "cascade" regime adopted by the European Commission. This regime provides easier access to visas with multi-year validity for Indian travelers with an established travel history. The new rules allow for the issuance of two-year visas after obtaining and lawfully using two visas within the previous three years, followed by a five-year visa if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. These visas grant holders travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, consisting of 29 European countries. This decision reflects strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, emphasizing facilitation of people-to-people contacts.

Summary:
European Union's new rules in April allows Indian nationals up to 5 years multi entry visas in what is called cascade regime.

a. You should have used 2 schengen visas in the previous three years.

b. This allows up to 2-year multi entry visa

c. If you hold a 2-year multi entry visa, then you can apply for 5-year multi entry visa. 

Read more: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/india/european-union-adopts-more-favourable-schengen-visa-rules-indians_en?s=167