India’s Rank in Global Indexes 2025 | Economy, Peace, Growth

Explore India’s rank in major global indexes 2025 including economy, climate, military, innovation, happiness, hunger, and governance with full analysis.

India’s Rank in Different Global Indexes 2025

A complete, easy-to-understand guide with analysis, trends, and context

India’s position in global indexes gives a clear snapshot of how the country performs across economy, governance, security, environment, innovation, health, happiness, and quality of life. These rankings are widely used by policymakers, researchers, investors, students, and competitive exam aspirants to compare India with other nations and to track progress over time.

Below is a comprehensive overview of India’s rankings in major global indexes (latest available editions up to 2025), followed by detailed explanations, sector-wise analysis, strengths, challenges, and future outlook.

📊 India’s Rankings in Major Global Indexes (2025 Snapshot)

🌍 Environment & Climate Performance

Climate Change Performance Index 2025 – Rank: 10

India’s top-10 position reflects:

• Strong push toward renewable energy (solar & wind)
• Improved climate policy framework
• Slower per-capita emissions growth compared to developed nations

⚠️ Challenge: Heavy reliance on coal and rising absolute emissions due to population and growth.

World Air Quality Report 2024 – 3rd (Most Polluted Country)

• Several Indian cities dominate the list of most polluted cities globally
• Delhi remains the most polluted capital
• Major sources: vehicles, construction dust, coal power, stubble burning

➡️ This contrast shows that policy intent is strong, but on-ground execution remains a challenge.

🧠 Innovation, Skills & Knowledge Economy

Global Innovation Index 2024 – Rank: 39

India has:

• Emerged as a global startup hub
• Strength in IT services, fintech, pharmaceuticals
• Rising patent filings and R&D activity

QS World Future Skills Index 2025 – Rank: 25

A positive signal for India’s youth:

• Strong STEM talent pool
• Growing focus on AI, data science, digital skills
• Expanding higher education ecosystem

📌 Key concern: Skill mismatch between education and industry needs in rural and semi-urban areas.

💰 Economy, Growth & Competitiveness

World Economic Outlook 2024 (IMF)

• India’s GDP growth projected at 6.5% in 2024 and 2025
• Among the fastest-growing major economies

World Competitiveness Index 2024 – Rank: 39

Strengths:

• Large domestic market
• Digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, GST)

Weaknesses:

• Bureaucratic hurdles
• Skill gaps and infrastructure stress

Logistics Performance Index 2023 – Rank: 38

Improvement driven by:

• Dedicated freight corridors
• Port modernization
• National Logistics Policy

🪖 Defence, Security & Peace

Global Firepower Index 2025 – Rank: 4

India ranks among the world’s strongest militaries due to:

• Massive manpower
• Expanding indigenous defence production
• Strategic geopolitical position

SIPRI Arms Transfers Report

• India remains the world’s largest arms importer
• Indicates modernization needs despite domestic production growth

Global Peace Index 2024 – Rank: 116

Lower ranking due to:

• Border tensions
• Internal security challenges
• High military expenditure

🧾 Governance, Law & Media

Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 – Rank: 93

• Indicates moderate corruption concerns
• Improvements seen in digital governance and transparency tools

Rule of Law Index 2024 – Rank: 79

Challenges include:

• Case backlogs
• Access to justice
• Police and judicial capacity

World Press Freedom Index 2024 – Rank: 162

• One of India’s weakest areas
• Concerns around journalist safety and media independence

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Human Development, Poverty & Happiness

Human Development Index 2023–24 – Rank: 134

Progress noted in:

• Life expectancy
• School enrollment

But slowed by:

• Income inequality
• Healthcare access gaps

Multidimensional Poverty Index 2024

• 234 million people still face deprivation
• Significant reduction over the last decade, but numbers remain high

World Happiness Report 2024 – Rank: 126

Factors affecting rank:

• Income inequality
• Social trust
• Mental health and work-life balance

👩‍🦰 Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

Gender Inequality Index 2022 – Rank: 108

Key issues:

• Female labor force participation
• Health and nutrition outcomes
• Political representation

📈 Gradual improvement with education and digital access.

🌐 Global Influence & Mobility

Global Soft Power Index 2024 – Rank: 29

India’s influence driven by:

• Culture, cinema, yoga, cuisine
• Diplomatic outreach
• Growing economic relevance

Henley Passport Index 2025 – Rank: 85

• Limited visa-free access compared to advanced economies
• Improvement possible with stronger bilateral agreements

💸 Migration & Remittances

Global Remittances Inflow Report 2024

• India received USD 129 billion, the highest in the world
• Highlights strong global Indian diaspora

🔋 Energy & Sustainability

Energy Transition Index 2024 – Rank: 63

Strengths:

• Solar capacity expansion
• Policy frameworks

Challenges:

• Coal dependency
• Grid modernization

🔎 Key Takeaways

Where India Performs Strongly

• Economic growth
• Military strength
• Innovation ecosystem
• Climate policy intent
• Global soft power

Where India Needs Improvement

• Air quality & environment
• Hunger & nutrition
• Press freedom
• Happiness & quality of life
• Gender equality

📈 India’s Future Outlook

India’s global rankings show a country in transition:

• Rapid economic and technological growth
• Large-scale social and environmental challenges
• Enormous demographic advantage if skills, health, and inclusion improve

With sustained reforms, better implementation, and inclusive growth, India is well-positioned to climb significantly in global rankings over the next decade.

🔎 FAQs

Q1. Why does India rank high in military power but low in peace indexes?
Because military strength measures capability, while peace indexes assess conflict levels and internal stability.

Q2. Is India improving in innovation rankings?
Yes. India has steadily climbed the Global Innovation Index over the last decade.

Q3. Why is India’s air pollution ranking so poor?
Rapid urbanization, coal use, traffic, and seasonal agricultural burning are key causes.

Q4. Does GDP growth guarantee better human development ranking?
No. Human development depends on how growth translates into health, education, and income equality.