India's Rise in the SDG Index: Riding the Wave of Sustainable Development

India's Current Rank in the SDG Index: A Closer Look

In 2025, India achieved a milestone by entering the top 100 in the SDG Index for the first time, securing the 99th position among 167 countries. This achievement reflects a significant improvement from 2016 when India was ranked 110th out of 157 countries, showcasing consistent progress over the years.

Areas of Significant Improvement

• Poverty Reduction (SDG 1): Estimates indicate a dramatic reduction in poverty, decreasing from 22% in 2012 to 12% in 2023, according to the World Bank.
• Electricity Access (SDG 7): India has achieved near-universal household electrification over two decades.
• Renewable Energy Deployment: As the fourth-largest nation in installed renewable energy capacity, India continues to excel in solar and wind energy sectors.
• Infrastructure (SDG 9): Significant growth has been seen in digital payments, mobile connectivity, and logistics systems.

Controversies in Poverty Estimation

Despite progress, poverty estimation remains controversial due to the lack of updated consumption data since 2018. The outdated Rangarajan poverty line further complicates accurate measurement, although alternative data indicates significant advances.

Persistent Challenges in Specific Goals

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Stunting affects 35.5% of children, and wasting has only slightly decreased from 21.0% to 19.3%.
• Obesity: Obesity rates among adults have doubled between 2006 and 2021, particularly in urban regions.
• Quality of Electricity: Although access is widespread, the quality and duration of supply vary significantly across different regions.
• Digital Divide (SDG 4 and 9): Technology adoption remains uneven, favoring urban over rural areas, with COVID-19 exposing gaps in online education access.

Performance on Governance and Institutional Goals

Despite economic and technological strides, India faces challenges in governance metrics, such as rule of law, press freedom, and institutional independence, crucial for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). This remains a notable gap in India's development profile.

Strategic Lessons from India's SDG Journey

• While infrastructure, energy, and poverty indicators show progress, the gains are uneven across different sectors.
• Nutritional challenges, governance issues, and digital access disparities highlight the need for focused policy measures.
• India should view its top-100 entry as a foundation to address these gaps, particularly in human development and institutional robustness.

The Comprehensive 2025 Ranking

The 2025 SDG Index ranking is more comprehensive, covering 167 countries compared to 157 in 2016. It offers improved metrics and granularity, enabling better comparisons and assessments. India's entry into the top 100 is a significant achievement but amplifies the responsibility to maintain and enhance progress.