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Global SDG Index 2025
India breaks into top 100 in global SDG rankings
Context: India has made a significant leap in its journey toward sustainable development, securing the 99th spot out of 167 countries in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
What are the Key Findings?
- First time in 100: This marks India’s first-ever entry into the top 100, with a score of 67, reflecting steady improvement across multiple indicators.
- India and South Asia: Among South Asian nations, Maldives ranked 53rd, Bhutan at 74th, followed by Nepal 85th, Sri Lanka 93rd, Bangladesh 114th, and Pakistan 140th.
- Global Powers: On the global scale, Finland retained its top position, followed closely by Sweden and Denmark, underlining the continued dominance of European countries — which hold 19 of the top 20 positions.
- Major global economies such as the United States (44th, 75.2) and China (49th, 74.4) also featured prominently in the index.
- Stalling Global Progress: Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030, citing setbacks from geopolitical conflicts, economic vulnerabilities, and constrained fiscal space.
- Notably, even high-ranking countries face persistent challenges, especially regarding climate action and biodiversity, driven by unsustainable consumption patterns.
What are the steps taken in India to achieve SDGs?
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Institutional Coordination and Governance:
- NITI Aayog as the Nodal Agency: NITI Aayog maps existing government schemes to SDG targets, identifies lead and supporting ministries for each target, and monitors progress through the SDG India Index.
- State Governments’ Role: States and Union Territories (UTs) play a crucial role in localising and implementing the SDGs, as they are best positioned to address local needs and ensure inclusive development.
- UN Support: The UN Country Team in India supports government efforts by providing technical assistance, advocating for adequate financing, and fostering partnerships.
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Policy Integration and Program Implementation: India has aligned its national development programs with SDG targets, focusing on key sectors:
- Poverty Eradication (SDG 1): Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
- Zero Hunger and Food Security (SDG 2): Implementation of the National Food Security Act covering over 800 million people to ensure food access.
- Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): National Solar Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Energy efficiency programs like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Make in India, Startup India and MGNREGA.
- Climate Action (SDG 13): National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), Commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity and increase non-fossil fuel energy to 50% by 2030 and Afforestation programs like the Green India Mission.
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Monitoring and Reporting:
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- SDG India Index: Launched by NITI Aayog with UN support, it tracks progress across states and UTs using over 100 indicators covering 16 SDGs.
- The 2023-24 edition shows India’s overall score improving from 66 to 71, with significant gains in clean energy, climate action, poverty reduction, and health.
- States like Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are top performers, while others like Bihar and Jharkhand are working to catch up.
- SDG India Index: Launched by NITI Aayog with UN support, it tracks progress across states and UTs using over 100 indicators covering 16 SDGs.
