Editorial 2: No time to rest

Context

India has improved its position in the SDG rankings, showing progress in key areas, but continues to lag in governance-related indicators.

Introduction

India's entry into the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report marks a significant milestone in its development journey since 2016. Published by the UN-backed SDSN, the report assesses global progress on the SDGs. While India shows advancement in poverty reduction and energy access, persistent challenges in nutrition, governance, and digital inclusion underscore the need for deeper systemic reforms.

India's Ranking in the Sustainable Development Report (SDR)

• India has entered the Top 100 in the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) for the first time since the report's inception in 2016 by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
• SDSN functions as an independent UN-backed body, widely followed by governments and policymakers.
• In 2016, India ranked 110 out of 157 countries.
• In 2025, India has improved to 99th out of 167 countries, benefiting from:
  • Better data metrics
  • More granular and diverse comparisons

Progress and Challenges: Overview

• Although this is progress, India must introspect:
  • Why the 11-point rise was delayed
  • What systemic gaps need urgent attention

Thematic Performance on Key SDGs

SDG 1 – No Poverty

• Positive performance, despite data issues.
• Poverty estimation challenges:
  • No official consumption expenditure data since 2018
  • Rangarajan poverty line (~₹33/day rural; ₹47/day urban) is outdated
• Proxy data insights:

• Indicates poverty halved between 2012 and 2023.

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

• Persistent area of concern
• Key indicators show marginal improvement only:

• Obesity in age group 15–49 years has nearly doubled (2006–2021), especially in wealthy urban areas.
• Reflects nutritional inequality across:
  • Income groups
  • Rural vs Urban regions

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

• Major achievement: Near-universal household electrification
• Issues remain:
  • Quality and duration of power supply vary by region
• Renewable energy success:
  • India is now 4th globally in renewable capacity (mostly solar and wind)

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Strong performance:
  • Rapid mobile phone penetration
  • Financial inclusion via UPI-based digital platforms
• Digital divide exposed by COVID-19:
  • Stark contrast between urban and rural internet access
  • Hinders progress on education (SDG 4) and other digital-dependent services

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Weakest performing area for India in recent years
• Lagging on:
  • Governance quality
  • Rule of law
  • Press freedom
  • Institutional independence
• These aspects have shown stagnation or decline during the Modi years, highlighting a critical gap in India's holistic development goals

Conclusion

India’s rise to 99th rank is a step forward but not the final goal. Bridging gaps in nutrition, institutional strength, and rural-urban disparities remains crucial. With the 2030 SDG deadline approaching, India must accelerate targeted policy action and data transparency. True progress lies not just in improved rankings, but in equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development for all citizens.