India has entered the top 100 for the first time in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, improving its position from 109th in 2024 to 99th globally.
What is the SDG Index?
- The SDG Index tracks progress of 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN in 2015.
- It is published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).
India’s Progress in 2025 Report
- India ranks 99th out of 167 countries, with a score of 67 points.
- This marks a big improvement from the 109th rank in 2024.
- India had ranked 121st in 2021 and 112th in 2023.
Regional Comparison
- China: 49th (score: 74.4)
- USA: 44th (score: 75.2)
- Bhutan: 76th, Bangladesh: 114th, Pakistan: 140th
- Maldives and Sri Lanka: 53rd and 93rd respectively
Challenges Noted
- The report highlights India’s structural issues like inequality, limited fiscal space, and climate vulnerability.
- Only 15 countries globally are on track to achieve SDGs by 2030.
What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- SDGs are global goals set by the United Nations (UN) to improve life for people and protect the planet.
- There are 17 goals with 169 specific targets to be achieved by the year 2030.
- They cover areas like poverty, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, and climate action.
- These goals apply to all countries, rich and poor ,and aim to leave no one behind.
When and Why Were SDGs Launched?
- SDGs were adopted in 2015 at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York.
- They replaced the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000–2015).
- Aim: To create a better, more equal, and sustainable world by 2030.
Conclusion:
India’s entry into the top 100 reflects positive progress, but long-term development depends on tackling inequality and improving social and environmental sustainability.
