India Breaks into Top 100 in the Global SDG Index: A Milestone in Sustainable Development

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For the first time, India has secured a position among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, ranking 99th out of 167 nations in the 10th Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025 released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This marks a significant achievement in the country’s journey toward sustainable development and Agenda 2030.

Understanding the SDG Index and Report

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 by 193 United Nations Member States, consist of 17 interlinked goals and 169 targets. These goals address major global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The SDG Index, published annually by SDSN, evaluates countries’ progress on a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 indicates full achievement of all 17 goals.

In the 2025 edition, India scored 67, a notable improvement from its previous rankings:

  • 109th in 2024

  • 112th in 2023

  • 121st in 2022

  • 120th in 2021

Key Highlights of the SDR 2025

1. Global Progress on SDGs Remains Stalled

  • Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030.

  • Major hindrances include:

    • Global conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan)

    • Structural vulnerabilities

    • Limited fiscal space in developing countries

2. Top Performing Countries

  • Nordic countries continue to dominate the SDG rankings:

    • 1st – Finland

    • 2nd – Sweden

    • 3rd – Denmark

  • 19 out of the top 20 countries are from Europe, although even these nations face challenges in achieving climate and biodiversity goals.

3. India and Regional Comparisons

India ranks 99th with a score of 67, outperforming several South Asian neighbors:

  • Bhutan – 74th (70.5)

  • Nepal – 85th (68.6)

  • Sri Lanka – 93rd

  • Bangladesh – 114th (63.9)

  • Pakistan – 140th (57)

  • China – 49th (74.4)

  • Maldives – 53rd

4. Areas of Progress

  • SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Improvements in under-five and neonatal mortality

  • SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): Increase in electricity access

  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Expansion of mobile broadband and internet usage

5. Areas of Regression

The report highlighted five areas where progress has reversed since 2015:

  • Obesity (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger)

  • Press Freedom (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions)

  • Nitrogen Management (SDG 2)

  • Red List Index for Biodiversity Loss (SDG 15 – Life on Land)

  • Corruption Perception (SDG 16)

India’s Key Government Initiatives Supporting SDG Progress

SDG GoalGoal TitleMajor Initiatives
SDG 1No PovertyPM Awas Yojana, MGNREGA, PM Jan Dhan Yojana
SDG 2Zero HungerPoshan Abhiyaan, NFSA, PMGKAY
SDG 3Good HealthAyushman Bharat, NHM, Mission Indradhanush
SDG 4Quality EducationSamagra Shiksha Abhiyan, NEP 2020, DIKSHA
SDG 6Clean WaterSwachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange
SDG 7Clean EnergyUJALA, Saubhagya Scheme
SDG 8Decent WorkMake in India, Skill India, PM Internship Scheme
SDG 11Sustainable CitiesSmart Cities Mission, AMRUT
SDG 13Climate ActionNAPCC, ISA, NITI Aayog SDG Index
SDG 15Life on LandProject Tiger, CAMPA, Soil Health Card, NAP
SDG 16Peace & InstitutionsDigital India, Police Modernisation
SDG 17Global PartnershipsBig Cat Alliance, CDRI, Quad Cancer Moonshot

Commitment to Multilateralism

  • Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago rank highest in commitment to UN-based multilateralism.

  • Brazil (25th) leads G20 nations; Chile (7th) tops among OECD countries.

  • The United States ranks last (193rd) for the second year, due to its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, WHO, and opposition to Agenda 2030.

Global Financial Architecture and SDG Financing Gaps

The SDR 2025 criticizes the Global Financial Architecture (GFA) for favoring wealthy nations, where capital flows more easily while developing economies remain underfunded. This inequality is particularly detrimental to SDG implementation in Emerging and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

Ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain (June 30 – July 3, 2025), the report calls for urgent reform in:

  • Multilateral institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank

  • Global investment structures to channel funds toward public goods and sustainability

Challenges Hindering Global SDG Progress

  1. Global Conflicts & Displacement: Over 120 million people displaced, stalling SDG 16.

  2. Climate Finance Gaps: $6 trillion needed by 2030; current flows are insufficient.

  3. COVID-19 Pandemic: Reversed progress in health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and poverty (SDG 1).

  4. Environmental Pressures: Rising biodiversity loss, coral reef decline (SDG 14).

  5. Natural Disasters: LDCs and LLDCs bear 6.9% of global economic losses from disasters.

Strategies to Accelerate SDG Implementation

  • Global Governance Reforms: Realign trade policies, mandate ESG reporting, strengthen SDG monitoring and citizen audits.

  • Increase Financial Support: Use green bonds, blended finance, and debt relief. Redirect fossil fuel subsidies.

  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promote agroecology, reduce food waste (30% of global production).

  • Localization of SDGs: Empower local governance, fund district-level plans, and promote community engagement.

        India’s breakthrough into the top 100 of the SDG Index is a significant achievement, reflecting improvements in poverty alleviation, health services, education, and access to clean energy. However, global stagnation in achieving the SDGs, driven by geopolitical, financial, and environmental challenges calls for urgent international cooperation, financial reforms, and grassroots action.

While the road to Agenda 2030 remains steep, India’s progress sets a hopeful precedent for other developing nations striving for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.

Welcome to EcoVisionary. I'm Dr. Anitha V, an environmentalist passionate about exploring and sharing insights on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Having successfully completed my Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, my goal is to raise awareness of pressing environmental issues and inspire actionable solutions for a healthier planet. Through engaging articles, in-depth research, and thought-provoking discussions, I aim to empower readers to embrace sustainable practices and become stewards of the environment. Join me on this journey to create a more sustainable future, where every small step can lead to significant change.

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