Analyzing the SDG Index: India's Progress and Global Insights

What is the SDG Index?

The SDG Index is an annual global ranking that assesses countries’ progress towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. This index is published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of how nations are performing in relation to the global agenda for sustainable development.

India's Rank in the SDG Index 2025

In the latest SDG Index 2025, India has achieved a significant milestone by ranking 99th out of 193 countries, with a score of 67. This marks the first time India has entered the top 100 in terms of SDG performance, showcasing substantial progress.

Comparison with Other Major Countries

India's performance can be compared to that of several major countries:

• United States: Rank 44, Score 75.2
• China: Rank 49, Score 74.4
• Bhutan: Rank 74, Score 70.5
• Nepal: Rank 85, Score 68.6
• Bangladesh: Rank 114, Score 63.9
• Pakistan: Rank 140, Score 57
• Maldives: Rank 53
• Sri Lanka: Rank 93

Leading Countries in the SDG Index

The top three countries in the SDG Index 2025 are:

• Finland (1st)
• Sweden (2nd)
• Denmark (3rd)

Notably, 19 out of the top 20 countries are located in Europe, reflecting their strong commitment to sustainable development.

Significance of India's SDG Ranking Improvement

India's rise to the 99th position highlights progress in various areas, including:

• Access to electricity (SDG 7)
• Mobile broadband and internet usage (SDG 9)
• Reduction in under-five and neonatal mortality rates (SDG 3)

This advancement signifies improved service delivery and social infrastructure despite existing fiscal constraints and global uncertainties.

Challenges in Global SDG Progress

Despite these improvements, global progress towards the SDGs has slowed down. The report indicates that only 17% of SDG targets are on track for achievement by 2030. Major challenges include:

• Ongoing conflicts and structural weaknesses in many regions
• Limited fiscal space for development initiatives
• Unmet climate and biodiversity goals, even in developed countries

Countries with Fastest Progress since 2015

Several countries have demonstrated remarkable improvements in their SDG scores since 2015, including:

• Nepal (+11.1)
• Cambodia (+10)
• Philippines (+8.6)
• Bangladesh (+8.3)
• Uzbekistan (+12.1)
• Benin (+14.5)
• Saudi Arabia (+8.1)
• UAE (+9.9)

Global SDG Targets That Worsened

Unfortunately, some SDG targets have regressed since 2015. The five areas of concern include:

• Rising obesity rates (SDG 2)
• Decline in press freedom (SDG 16)
• Poor sustainable nitrogen management (SDG 2)
• Deteriorating Red List Index concerning biodiversity (SDG 15)
• Decreased corruption perception scores (SDG 16)

Global Financing Challenges

The report emphasizes a fractured global financial architecture, where wealthier nations attract the majority of capital flows, leaving emerging and developing economies struggling to secure adequate investment. The upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) seeks to reform these financial flows.

United States' Commitment to SDGs

The United States ranks last (193rd) in its commitment to the SDGs, largely due to its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), and public opposition to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda.

Ongoing Challenges for India

Despite its progress, India continues to face significant challenges in:

• Environmental sustainability, particularly regarding air quality and biodiversity
• Reducing inequalities (SDG 10)
• Achieving gender equity (SDG 5)
• Urban planning and pollution management (SDG 11, SDG 13)