India Showcases Decade of SDG Progress at UN Through Its Third Voluntary National Review Report
In a significant step toward global sustainable development advocacy, India has submitted its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The presentation was led by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, and it marks another milestone in India’s commitment to aligning its national development goals with the global Agenda 2030.
According to an official statement issued on Monday, the report showcases how a combination of economic momentum, infrastructure investments, data-driven governance, and inclusive schemes has transformed SDGs into a national priority over the past decade.
Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach
India’s 2025 VNR Report has been prepared using a comprehensive, consultative, and inclusive framework. NITI Aayog adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating views from state governments, Union Territories, civil society organizations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
Suman Bery emphasized this collaborative framework during the presentation, stating, “It was an important opportunity to share with the world the combination of economic growth, investment in infrastructure, efficient delivery of targeted schemes, and local commitment that had transformed the Sustainable Development Goals into a national movement in less than a decade.”
Guided by National Roadmap and Evidence-Based Planning
The preparation of the VNR Report was guided by a clear and structured national roadmap. Building upon the foundation laid by previous reports submitted in 2017 and 2020, the 2025 edition ensured broad-based engagement, firmly anchored in data and evidence.
The report benefited from the continuous support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which played a key role in establishing SDG Coordination and Acceleration Centres across Indian States and UTs to further deepen the process of SDG localisation.
Key Achievements: Poverty Reduction, Nutrition, and Health
One of the report’s standout highlights is India’s success in lifting approximately 248 million individuals out of multidimensional poverty. This includes significant improvements in access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and housing.
The report credits the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a cornerstone in achieving food security. The program has delivered free ration support to millions, ensuring no citizen is left behind.
Alongside this, schemes such as POSHAN Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat have played a crucial role in expanding access to quality nutrition and affordable healthcare, especially for women and children in rural and marginalised communities.
Strengthening India's Clean Energy Transition
The report also places strong emphasis on India’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability. Landmark initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have contributed significantly to reducing the country’s carbon footprint while enhancing energy access in underserved areas.
These programmes are part of India’s larger transition toward renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with its pledges under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Infrastructure, Startups and Industrial Growth
India's position as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world has also been highlighted in the report. Through initiatives like Make in India, PM Gati Shakti, and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, India is building robust next-generation infrastructure to support both industrial growth and rural connectivity.
These programmes are not only aimed at improving logistics and reducing costs but are also focused on generating employment, boosting manufacturing, and fostering innovation.
Digital Public Infrastructure: A Global Model
The 2025 VNR Report underscores India’s pioneering work in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) through the now-famous JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan (financial inclusion), Aadhaar (identity verification), and Mobile connectivity.
This DPI model has become a global benchmark for inclusive, transparent, and efficient service delivery. From direct benefit transfers (DBTs) to digital health IDs, this infrastructure has enabled millions of Indians to access government schemes with minimal friction and maximum transparency.
Data-Driven Governance and Localisation
India has emphasized the importance of data-driven governance in monitoring SDG progress. Tools such as the SDG India Index, North-Eastern Region District SDG Index, and the National Multi-dimensional Poverty Index are regularly used to evaluate and adjust development strategies at local levels.
The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) have been instrumental in localising SDG implementation by targeting the most underdeveloped regions with tailored strategies, ensuring last-mile delivery of services.
Global Leadership and South-South Cooperation
Another major highlight of the report is India’s growing role in South-South Cooperation, where it is increasingly seen as a trusted development partner for other Global South nations. India is contributing through capacity-building, infrastructure support, and technology sharing with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
India’s developmental diplomacy is closely aligned with its foreign policy vision of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family. The VNR 2025 positions India as a leader not just in national SDG implementation, but also in supporting global progress toward sustainable development.
Vision 2047: Viksit Bharat
Perhaps the most strategic takeaway from India’s 2025 VNR Report is the long-term alignment with the country’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047—a roadmap to become a fully developed, inclusive, and resilient nation by 2047, marking 100 years of independence.
This vision includes transformative goals in economic growth, social equity, environmental sustainability, and institutional capacity. The report affirms that India’s pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is not just a short-term policy priority but is embedded within the broader, long-term national development narrative.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
India’s third Voluntary National Review Report is more than just a document—it’s a reflection of how the country has embedded global goals into local realities. From ambitious schemes like PM Gati Shakti and Ayushman Bharat to grassroots-level initiatives in aspirational districts, India has shown that large-scale change is possible when driven by inclusive governance and innovative thinking.
What makes this VNR particularly significant is its alignment with India’s 2047 vision—a century of independence defined not just by economic prowess but by social justice, environmental stewardship, and digital empowerment.
As the world grapples with pressing global challenges—from climate change to inequality—India’s approach offers a valuable model: combine top-down vision with bottom-up implementation, and success can be both inclusive and sustainable.
At TheTrendingPeople.com, we believe stories like this matter—not just because they showcase national achievement, but because they inspire citizens to see themselves as active participants in shaping a better future.