India Makes Historic Entry into Top 100 of UN's SDG Index, Ranks 99th in 2025
New Delhi, June 25, 2025 — In a significant milestone for the country’s development journey, India has broken into the top 100 for the first time in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, securing the 99th position with a score of 67 in the 2025 edition of the global rankings.
The announcement was made through the 10th edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), highlighting global progress toward the 17 SDGs adopted by United Nations member states in 2015.
From Rank 116 to 99: India’s Steady Climb
India’s journey on the SDG Index shows consistent improvement:
- 2017: Rank 116
- 2024: Rank 109
- 2025: Rank 99
This climb reflects notable improvements in sectors like education access, healthcare delivery, renewable energy adoption, and rural development — core pillars of the SDG agenda.
Global Landscape: Asia Leads the Way
While European countries continue to dominate the top positions on the SDG Index, the report states that East and South Asian countries — including Nepal, Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Mongolia — have shown the fastest progress since 2015 in overall SDG scores.
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China has also entered the top 50 performers for the first time.
“Amid rising geopolitical tensions, widening global inequalities, and the escalating climate crisis, this year’s SDR underscores that the world overwhelmingly recognises the SDGs as the vital pathway to peace, equity, and well-being,” said Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of SDSN and lead author of the report.
A Warning Sign: Global Progress on SDGs Is Stalling
Despite individual country progress, the report presents a sobering global picture:
- None of the 17 SDGs are currently on track globally.
- Only 17% of SDG targets are expected to be achieved by 2030.
- Conflicts, economic inequality, and climate crises are key barriers, especially in emerging and low-income economies.
“Many countries are making significant progress, but much more can be accomplished through stepped-up investments in education, green technologies, and digital solutions. Above all, we need peace and global cooperation to achieve the SDGs,” added Sachs.
What Are the SDGs?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives adopted in 2015 with the aim of ensuring inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and social justice by 2030.
Key goals include:
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Climate action
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
India’s improved rank highlights its progress in implementing national policies aligned with these targets, including the National Education Policy, Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, and renewable energy expansion under the National Solar Mission.
Why This Matters
India’s rise in the SDG rankings signifies growing alignment between national development programs and global sustainability objectives. As the world's most populous country and a major developing economy, India’s performance on the SDGs plays a crucial role in shaping global progress.
However, the overall stagnation of SDG progress globally sends a clear message — 2030 is approaching fast, and the world is not yet on course.
The Way Forward
To stay on track, the UN report recommends:
- Greater international cooperation, especially to address climate and conflict-driven disruptions
- Increased fiscal support for developing countries
- Focused investment in education, technology, and public health systems
- A renewed global commitment to equity, peace, and sustainability